System for performing crystallization trials

ABSTRACT

A crystallization system is provided comprising a trial generation station configured to generate crystallization trials in trial zones of a crystallization plate; an imaging station configured to take images of crystallization trials in the crystallization plate; a transport mechanism configured to transport the crystallization plate to the imaging station after generation of the crystallization trials; and a controller including logic for causing the trial generation station to generate the crystallization trials in the crystallization plate, logic for causing the transport mechanism to transport the crystallization plate to the imaging station and logic for causing the imaging station to take images of the crystallization trials.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/002,005, filed Dec. 1, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/533,840, filed Dec. 31, 2003, each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to methods and systems for crystallizing moleculesand more particularly to methods and systems for automating thecrystallization of molecules.

2. Background of the Invention

Structure based drug development has become an important approach todeveloping new drugs. Structure based drug development relies on theability to determine the three-dimensional structure of proteins withthe crystallization of proteins being an essential step in determiningtheir three-dimensional structures.

Molecules are generally crystallized by precipitating the molecule outof a solution. However, the process of growing high quality crystalsinvolves trial-and-error with multiple solution variables such as pH,temperature, ionic strength, specific concentrations of salts,precipitants and detergents. As a result, many solutions must be triedin order to identify appropriate crystallization conditions. Thepreparation and manipulation of these solutions and the interpretationof the results is labor intensive. The use of human workers during thisprocess is the most common source of errors and is often a large portionof the costs associated with crystallization trials.

A need exists for improved systems for crystallizing molecules and inparticular proteins and other biological macromolecules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is disclosed for generating a plurality of crystallizationtrials in a crystallization plate. The crystallization trials can beemployed to test different solutions for their ability to crystallize amolecule. A crystallization trial includes a mother liquor and acrystallization sample which contains the molecule to be crystallized.The system employs storage plates to store screen solutions. The systememploys these screen solutions in preparing the mother liquors and thesamples in a crystallization plate. The screen storage plates areconfigured to hold sufficient screen solution to prepare mother liquorand samples in a plurality of crystallization plates. Accordingly, thesystem can prepare a plurality of crystallization plates from a singlescreen storage plate. The system can further include a screen storagestation where screen storage plates can be stored between uses. The useof the screen storage station can reduce the need for human preparationand manipulation of the screen solutions and can accordingly reduceerrors and labor requirements and can increase the accuracy of results.

One embodiment of the system includes a screen generation stationconfigured to generate a screen storage plate that contains screensolutions. The system also includes a transport mechanism configured totransport the screen storage plate from the screen generation station toa screen storage station. The screen storage station includes a housingconfigured to house a plurality of screen storage plates. The screenstorage station also includes mechanics for retrieving a selected screenstorage plate from among the plurality of screen storage plates fortransport to another station. Further, the system includes a controller.The controller includes logic for causing the screen generation stationto generate a screen storage plate that contains the screen solutions,logic for causing the transport mechanism to transport the screenstorage plate to the screen storage station, logic for causing thescreen storage station to store the screen storage plate among theplurality of screen storage plates and logic for causing the screenstorage station to retrieve the selected screen storage plate from amongthe plurality of screen storage plates.

Another variation of the system includes a screen storage station. Thescreen storage station includes a housing configured to store aplurality of screen storage plates. The screen storage station furtherincludes mechanics for retrieving a selected screen storage plate fromamong the plurality of screen storage plates. The system also includes atransport mechanism configured to transport the selected screen storageplate to a screen replicator. The screen replicator includes a transfermechanism configured to transfer portions of different screen solutionscontained in the selected screen storage plate to well regions of acrystallization plate. The system further includes a controller. Thecontroller includes logic for causing the screen storage station toretrieve the selected screen storage plate from among the plurality ofscreen storage plates, logic for causing the transport mechanism totransport the selected screen storage plate from the screen storagestation to the screen replicator, and logic for causing the screenreplicator to transfer portions of different screen solutions from theselected screen storage plate to the wells of the crystallization plate.

Another variation of the system includes a screen replicator configuredto transfer screen solutions from wells of a screen storage plate intowells of multiple crystallization plates. The system also includes atransport mechanism configured to transport crystallization plates fromthe screen replicator to a trial generation station. The trialgeneration station is configured to generate crystallization trials in acrystallization plate. The system further includes a controller. Thecontroller includes logic for causing the screen replicator to transferthe screen solutions from the screen storage plate to multiplecrystallization plates, logic for causing the transport mechanism totransport multiple crystallization plates from the screen replicator tothe trial generation station and logic for causing the trial generationstation to generate crystallization trials in the crystallizationplates.

Another variation of the system includes a trial generation stationconfigured to generate crystallization trials in a crystallizationplate. The system further includes a transport mechanism configured totransport a crystallization plate having the crystallization trials toan imaging station. The imaging station is configured to generate imagesof the crystallization trials in the crystallization plate.

Another variation of the system includes a trial generation stationconfigured to generate crystallization trials in wells of acrystallization plate. The system also includes a transport mechanismconfigured to transport the crystallization plate to an imaging station.The imaging station is configured to take images of the crystallizationtrials in the crystallization plate. The system also includes acontroller including logic for causing the trial generation station togenerate crystallization trials in the crystallization plate, logic forcausing the transport mechanism to transport the crystallization plateto the imaging station and for causing the imaging station to takeimages of the crystallization trials in the crystallization plate withina desired period of time following the formation of the crystallizationtrials. In some instances, the logic causes the imaging station to takeimages of the crystallization trials within 30 minutes of forming thecrystallization trials, within 15 minutes of forming the crystallizationtrials, or within 5 minutes or 2 minutes of forming the crystallizationtrials. In one example, the logic causes the imaging station to takeimages of the crystallization trials within 1 minute of forming thecrystallization trials and optionally within 30 seconds or less offorming the crystallization trials.

An embodiment of a trial generation station is also disclosed. Thestation includes a deck configured to receive a crystallization platefrom a transport mechanism. The station also includes a dispensing headconfigured to be moved relative to the stage. The dispensing headincludes a plurality of primary fluid dispensers and one or moresecondary fluid dispensers. At least one of the secondary fluiddispensers is laterally immobilized relative to one or more of theprimary fluid dispensers. The crystallization plate includes a pluralityof trial zones where crystallization trials are conducted. Each trialzone includes a well region associated with a sample region. Eachprimary fluid dispenser is configured to transfer a portion of a motherliquor from a well region of a trial zone to the sample regionassociated with the trial zone. The one or more secondary fluiddispensers are configured to dispense a molecule solution into thesample regions of the trial zones. The molecule solution includes themolecule to be crystallized.

A method of operating a crystallization system is also disclosed. Anembodiment of the method includes generating a screen storage platecontaining screen solutions screen solutions at a screen generationstation. The method also includes having a transport mechanism transportthe screen storage plate from the screen generation station to a screenstorage station. The method further includes storing the screen storageplate in the screen storage station among a plurality of screen storageplates. The method additionally includes having the screen storagestation retrieve a selected screen storage plate from among theplurality of screen storage plates stored within the screen storagestation.

Another embodiment of the method includes identifying a screen storageplate from among the plurality of screen storage plates stored in ascreen storage station. Each of the stored screen storage platesincludes a plurality of wells that contain a screen solution. At least aportion of the stored screen storage plates have a selection of screensolutions that is different from the selection of screen solutions heldin other screen storage plates. The method also includes having atransport mechanism transport the identified screen storage plate to ascreen replicator and transport a crystallization plate to the screenreplicator. The method further includes having the screen replicatortransfer screen solutions from the identified screen storage plate tothe crystallization plate.

Another embodiment of the method includes storing a plurality of screenstorage plates in a screen storage station. The method also includeshaving the screen storage station retrieve a selected screen storageplate from among the plurality of screen storage plates stored withinthe screen storage station. The method further includes having atransport mechanism transport the selected screen storage plate to ascreen replicator. The method additionally includes having a transfermechanism of a screen replicator transfer portions of different screensolutions from the retrieved screen storage plate to wells of acrystallization plate.

Another variation of the method includes having a screen replicatortransfer screen solutions from wells of a screen storage plate intowells of one or more crystallization plates. The method also includeshaving a transport mechanism transport the crystallization plate fromthe screen replicator to a trial generation station. The method furtherincludes having the trial generation station generate crystallizationtrials in the wells of the crystallization plate.

Another variation of the method is performed in a single, automatedsystem. The method includes transferring screen solutions from wells ofa screen storage plate to wells of a plurality of crystallizationplates. The method further includes transporting the crystallizationplates to a trial generation station. The method additionally includesgenerating crystallization trials in the crystallization platestransported to the trial generation station.

Another variation of the method includes having a trial generationstation generate crystallization trials in a crystallization plate. Themethod also includes transporting the crystallization plate to animaging station and having the imaging station take images of thecrystallization trials within 30 minutes of the formation of thecrystallization trials. In some instances, the images of thecrystallization trials are taken within 15 minutes of forming thecrystallization trials, within 5 minutes of forming the crystallizationtrials or within 2 minutes of forming the crystallization trials. In oneexample, images of the crystallization trials are taken within 1 minuteof forming the crystallization trials or within 30 seconds of formingthe crystallization trials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C are generalized diagrams illustrating acrystallization system for generating crystallization trials.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a crystallization system. The systemincludes a controller configured to control a plurality of stations andto control a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is configuredto transport plates between the stations. Each station can perform oneor more operations on the plate. The stations can be selected such thatthe transport mechanism can grasp an empty plate and sequentiallytransport that plate to a series of stations until crystallizationtrials are formed in wells of the plate.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating resources employed by the system andoutputs provided by the system.

FIG. 1C illustrates relationships between a plurality of differentsolutions that are employed by the system and a plurality of differentplates that are employed by the system.

FIG. 2A through FIG. 2N illustrate plates that are employed by thesystem.

FIG. 2A through FIG. 2E illustrate a crystallization plate (CP) that issuitable for use with the system. The CP includes a support structurethat defines a plurality of trial zones in the CP.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the CP.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the CP shown in FIG. 2A taken looking in thedirection of the arrow labeled 2B.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross section of the CP shown in FIG. 2A takenalong the line labeled 2C.

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross section of the CP shown in FIG. 2A takenalong the line labeled 2D.

FIG. 2E illustrates a trial zone with a crystallization trial.

FIG. 2F through FIG. 2H illustrate a screen storage plate (SSP) that issuitable for use with the system. The SSP includes a support structurethat defines a plurality of wells (SSP wells) in the screen storageplate.

FIG. 2F is a top view of the SSP.

FIG. 2G is a side view of the SSP shown in FIG. 2F taken looking in thedirection of the arrow labeled 2G.

FIG. 2H is a cross section of the SSP shown in FIG. 2F taken along theline labeled 2H.

FIG. 2I through FIG. 2K illustrate a cover configured to be used withthe SSP of FIG. 2F through FIG. 2H. The cover includes a plurality ofplugs. The plugs are positioned such that each of the plugs seals an SSPwell when the cover is positioned on the SSP.

FIG. 2I is a bottom view of the cover.

FIG. 2J is a cross section of the cover shown in FIG. 2I taken along theline labeled 2J.

FIG. 2K illustrates the cover positioned on the SSP.

FIG. 2L illustrates a cross section of the SSP 40 having a sealingmedium serving as the cover.

FIG. 2M and FIG. 2N illustrate a plate suitable for use as a moleculeplate (TM plate) or as an additive plate. The plate includes a supportstructure that defines a plurality of wells.

FIG. 2M is a top view of the plate.

FIG. 2N illustrates a cross section of the plate shown in FIG. 2M takenalong the line labeled 2N.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3AA illustrate suitable constructions for aselection of stations employed by the system.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a system that includes a selection ofstations.

FIG. 3B through FIG. 3AA independently illustrate each of the stationsshown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C illustrate a storage structure that is suitable foruse as a primary CP storage station and/or as a secondary CP storagestation.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the storage structure.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the storage structure shown in FIG. 3B takenlooking in the direction of the arrow labeled 3C.

FIG. 3D through FIG. 3F illustrate a screen generation station that issuitable for use with the crystallization system.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the screen generation station.

FIG. 3E is a side view of the screen generation station shown in FIG. 3Dtaken looking in the direction of the arrow labeled 3E.

FIG. 3F is a side view of the screen generation station shown in FIG. 3Dtaken looking in the direction of the arrow labeled 3F.

FIG. 3G through FIG. 3K illustrate a screen storage station that issuitable for storing screens and libraries of screen.

FIG. 3G is a perspective view of the outside of the screen storagestation. The screen storage station includes a container with a serviceopening through which SSPs can be passed.

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of a housing configured to house SSPs inthe container.

FIG. 3I illustrates housing in conjunction with mechanics located in thecontainer.

FIG. 3J also illustrates housing in conjunction with mechanics locatedin the container.

FIG. 3K illustrates a screen storage device that includes a coveringdevice configured to place a cover on an SSP being positioned in thescreen storage station and to remove a cover from an SSP being removedfrom the screen storage station.

FIG. 3L through FIG. 3N illustrate an embodiment of a screen replicatorsuitable for use with the crystallization system.

FIG. 3L is a perspective view of the screen replicator.

FIG. 3M is a side view of the screen replicator shown in FIG. 3L takenlooking in the direction of the arrow labeled 3M.

FIG. 3N is a top view of the screen replicator shown in FIG. 3L.

FIG. 3O through FIG. 3S illustrate a trial generation station suitablefor use with the crystallization system.

FIG. 3O is a perspective view of the trial generation station.

FIG. 3P is a side view of the trial generation station shown in FIG. 3Otaken looking in the direction of the arrow labeled 3P. The trialgeneration station includes a head that can be moved vertically as shownby the arrow labeled V in FIG. 3O and laterally as shown by the arrowslabeled L in FIG. 3O.

FIG. 3Q through FIG. 3S illustrate a suitable construction of a head foruse with the trial generation station.

FIG. 3Q is a perspective view of the head.

FIG. 3R is a side view of the head shown in FIG. 3Q taken in thedirection of the arrow labeled 3R.

FIG. 3S is a side view of the head shown in FIG. 3Q taken in thedirection of the arrow labeled 3S.

FIG. 3T is a perspective view of a mixing station that is suitable foruse with the system.

FIG. 3U is a perspective view of a sealing station configured to sealcrystallization trials on a crystallization plate from the atmosphere.

FIG. 3V is a perspective view of an imaging station configured togenerate images of crystallization trials formed in the trial zones of aCP.

FIG. 3W and FIG. 3X illustrate a robotic arm suitable for transportingSSPs and/or CPs from one of the stations to another of the stations.

FIG. 3W is a perspective view of the robotic arm.

FIG. 3X is a top view of the functional end of the robotic arm shown inFIG. 3W.

FIGS. 3Y through 3AA illustrate examples of suitable placeholders foruse with the above stations.

FIG. 3Y is a perspective view of a placeholder including a plurality ofridges extending from a platform.

FIG. 3Z is also a perspective view of a placeholder.

FIG. 3AA is a perspective view of a placeholder that includes a recessextending into a platform.

FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C illustrate databases that can be employed by thecontroller during operation of the system.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of an SSP tracking database that can beemployed by the controller. The SSP tracking database stores data for aplurality of SSPs. For each SSP in the database, the SSP trackingdatabase associates an SSP identifier with an SSP location identifierand a screen identifier.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a CP tracking database that can beemployed by the controller. The CP tracking database stores data for aplurality of CPs. For each CP in the database, the SSP tracking databaseassociates a CP identifier with a CP location identifier.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example of a screen generation database that canbe accessed by the controller. The screen generation database associatesscreen identifiers with screen recipes.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate methods of operating the system.

FIG. 5A illustrates a method of operating the system so as to generate ascreen library that is stored in the screen storage station.

FIG. 5B illustrates a method of operating the system so as to prepare aCP having crystallization trials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system for generating crystallization trials in a crystallizationplate is disclosed. A crystallization trial includes a mother liquor anda crystallization sample that contains the molecule to be crystallizedby the system. The system employs screen solutions that can serve as themother liquors in the crystallization trials. These screen solutions arestored in screen storage plates.

The system can include a screen generation station configured togenerate each screen solution from one or more component solutions. Thescreen generation station positions the screen solutions in the wells ofa screen storage plate. The system can also include a transportmechanism configured to transport the screen storage plate from thescreen generating station to a screen storage station where a pluralityof the screen storage plates can be stored.

The selection of screen solutions in a screen storage plate is called ascreen. The screen generation station and the screen storage station canbe employed to generate a screen library. For instance, many of thescreens that are employed during operation of the system are usedrepeatedly. As a result, the system can be used to generate thesescreens at the screen storage station and then store them in the screenstorage station for later use. Further, it can be desirable to have ascreen customized for some purpose on hand. The system can be used togenerate customized screens at the screen storage station and store themin the screen storage station for later use. The selection of thescreens stored in the screen storage station serves as a screen librarythat can be used during subsequent operation of the system.

The screen storage station can also include mechanics for retrieving aparticular screen storage plate from among the screen storage platesstored in the screen storage station. The system can employ a transportmechanism to transport the retrieved screen storage plate to a screenreplicator. The screen replicator can transfer the screen solutions fromthe screen storage plate to one or more crystallization plates. Aftertransfer of the screen solutions, the transport mechanism can return thescreen storage plate to the screen storage station. At a later time, thesystem can transport the screen storage plate from the screen storagestation back to screen replicator and the screen replicator can transferthe screen solutions to one or more other crystallization plates. Eachof the crystallization plates includes a plurality of crystallizationzones where crystallization trials are conducted. Accordingly, thescreen solutions in a screen storage plate can be used to generate thecrystallization trials in more than one crystallization plate. As aresult, the system can allow an operator to avoid the need to generatenew screen solutions for each crystallization plate.

The use of a particular set of screen solutions with multiplecrystallization plates can provide for results verification. Forinstance, it may be desirable to determine whether the results in aparticular crystallization plate are correct or are repeatable. Thesystem can generate another set of crystallization trials employing thesame screen solutions. For instance, the system can return to the screenstorage station and retrieve the same screen storage plate from whichthe original screen solutions were transferred. The system can use thescreen solutions in that screen storage plate to generate newcrystallization trials. As a result, new crystallization trials can begenerated under conditions similar to the original crystallizationtrials. The results of the new crystallization trials and the originalcrystallization trials can then be compared to verify the results.

The system can also include a trial generation station. A transportmechanism can transport a crystallization plate that includes screensolutions from the screen replicator to the trial generation station.The trial generation station can employ the screen solutions to generatecrystallization trials in the crystallization plate. The trialgeneration station can also be configured to add one or more additivesto one or more of the screen solutions before generating thecrystallization trials. A variety of additives can be employed. Forinstance, the integrity of the additive may be all or partially lost ifstored under the same conditions as the screen solutions. Further, theadditive may be most effective when used at different conditions thanthe screen solution. For instance, the additive may be most effective ifadded to screen solutions at a different temperature than the screensolution.

Examples of suitable additives include additives that may enhancecrystallization and/or freezing, may cause co-crystallization and/or mayassociate or bind to active sites on the molecule to be crystallized.

The system can include an imaging station. A transport mechanism cantransport a crystallization plate that includes crystallization trialsto the imaging station. The imaging station can generate images of thecrystallization trials. In some instances, the images of thecrystallization trials are taken within 30 minutes of forming thecrystallization trials, within 15 minutes of forming the crystallizationtrials, within 5 minutes of forming the crystallization trials or within2 minutes of forming the crystallization trials. In one example, imagesof the crystallization trials are taken within 1 minute of forming thecrystallization trials or within 30 seconds of forming thecrystallization trials.

Reducing the time between generation of the crystallization trials andgeneration of initial images of the trials can provide useful additionalinformation about the trial results. For example, salts tend tocrystallize earlier than molecules such as proteins. Hence, acrystallization trial that quickly forms a crystal is more likely a saltthan a protein. As a result, an early image of a crystallization trialcan reduce the need to perform additional analysis of crystals todetermine whether the crystal is a salt or a crystal of the molecule forwhich the crystallization trial is directed, such as a protein.Additionally or alternately, the imaging station can be employed togenerate images of a crystallization trial over time to track theprogress of the crystallization trial.

A suitable transport mechanism for use with the system includes arobotic arm configured to pick up a plate from one of the stations inthe system and transport the plate to one or more other stations in thesystem. Accordingly, the robotic arm can transport a plate to a seriesof stations. An advantage of a robotic arm is the ability to transportone plate to a series of stations and to transport another plate to theseries of stations in a different order or to transport the plate to adifferent series of station. In contrast, transport mechanisms such asconveyor type devices transport each plate past the same series ofstation in the same order. As a result, a robotic arm can enhance theflexibility of the system.

The system can be employed with a wide range of molecules. In onevariation, the molecule is a molecule such as a protein for which anx-ray crystal structure is needed. Determining high-resolutionstructures of molecules can be used to accelerate drug development. Themolecule to be crystallized may also be a molecule for which acrystalline form of the molecule is needed. For instance, it may bedesirable to create a crystalline form of a molecule or to identify anew crystalline form of a molecule. In some instances, particularcrystalline forms of a molecule may be more bioactive, dissolve faster,decompose less readily and/or be easier to purify.

The molecule is preferably a macromolecule. The molecule preferably hasa molecule weight of at least 500 Daltons, more preferably of at least1000 Daltons, although smaller molecular weight molecules may also becrystallized. Of particular interest are macromolecules such as proteinsbecause information from these crystallizations can be employed in theeffective design of new drugs.

The system can employ small sample volumes and/or small mother liquorvolumes. Although larger sample volumes can be used, the sample can beprepared so as to have a volume less than about 1 μL and more preferablyless than about 500 nL. Reducing the volume of the sample can increasethe rate of crystal formation. Further, reducing the sample volumereduces the amount of molecule to be crystallized that is required forthe crystallization experiments. Reducing the required amount ofmolecule can be particularly advantageous when the molecule is a proteinbecause it reduces the substantial time and cost requirements associatedwith generating larger amounts of protein.

Decreasing the sample volume can also reduce the volume of the motherliquor that is required in crystallization trials. Although largervolumes can be employed, the volume of mother liquor left in the wellregion after preparation of the sample can be less than about 500 μL andmore preferably less than about 300 μL. Decreasing the volume of thewell regions can reduce the size of the trial zones and can accordinglyallows the density of trial zones on a crystallization plate to beincreased.

In some instances, the stations included in the system are selected suchthat one or more transport mechanism can take an empty crystallizationplate and move that crystallization plate from one station to anotheruntil crystallization trials are formed in the crystallization plate. Asa result, the system can take an empty crystallization plate as an inputand provide crystallization plates with crystallization experiments asan output. Accordingly, the system can reduce the labor requirementsassociated with generating crystallization trials. Reduction of laborrequirements can further reduce errors and costs associated with thegeneration of crystallization trials.

Systems according to the present invention will now be described withregard to the figures.

FIG. 1A is block diagram of a crystallization system. The systemincludes a controller 10 configured to control a plurality of stations12 and to control a transport mechanism 14. Suitable controllers 10includes, but are not limited to, PCs and computer workstations. Thecontroller 10 can include one or more operator interfaces 16 that allowa system operator to input information into the system and/or extractinformation from the system. Suitable operator interfaces 16 include,but are not limited to, monitors, keyboards, mice, and touch screens.

The transport mechanism 14 is configured to transport a plate 18 fromone station 12 to one of a plurality of the other stations 12. Theillustrated transport mechanism 14 includes a robotic arm. The roboticarm includes a functional end configured to grasp and release the plates18. Examples of plates 18 for use with the system include, but are notlimited to, screen storage plates (SSPs) and crystallization plates(CPs). A suitable CP includes a plurality of trial zones wherecrystallization trials are conducted. Each trial zone includes a wellregion associated with a sample region. The well region is configured tohold a mother liquor and the sample region is configured to hold asample that contains the molecule to be crystallized. An SSP is amultiwell plate that includes a plurality of SSP wells that are eachconfigured to hold a screen solution. The structure and function ofthese plates is described in more detail below in the context of FIG. 2Athrough FIG. 2K.

The controller 10 controls movement of the transport mechanism 14 withina perimeter labeled P. The functional end can be moved in a directiontoward and away from the perimeter as illustrated by the arrow labeledA. Additionally, the functional end can be moved in an arc asillustrated by the arrow labeled C. In some instances, the functionalend can also be moved vertically in and out of the page.

The stations 12 are positioned at the perimeter and within the perimeterof the transport mechanism 14 such that the transport mechanism 14 hasaccess to each of the stations 12. For instance, the transport mechanism14 can transport a plate 18 to and/or from each of the stations 12. Eachstation 12 is configured to perform one or more operations on one ormore plates 18. In some instances, the transport mechanism 14 leaves aplate 18 at a station 12 while the station 12 performs one or moreoperations on the plate 18. The transport mechanism 14 can perform otheroperations and return to the station 12 at a later time to pick up theplate 18.

In some instances, the stations 12 are selected such that the transportmechanism 14 can grasp an empty CP and sequentially transport that CP toa series of stations 12 until crystallization trials are formed in thetrial zones of a CP. The stations 12 include a plurality of CP storagestations. Each CP storage station can serve as a primary CP storagestation where empty CPs are stored before use by the system or as asecondary CP storage station where CPs are stored after full or partialprocessing by the system.

The stations 12 also include a screen generation station configured togenerate a screen storage plate (SSPs) having wells (SSP wells) thatcontain screen solutions. Suitable screen generation stations areconfigured to generate the screen solutions and/or to position thescreen solutions in the SSP wells. In some instances, the screengeneration station is configured to generate the screen solutions in theSSP wells. The stations 12 also include a screen storage station whereSSPs that contain screen solutions can be stored. The stations 12 alsoinclude a screen replicator where screen solutions are transferred froman SSP into the well regions of a crystallization plate (CP). Thetransferred screen solution can serve as the mother liquor in the wellregion or can be a component of the mother liquor in the well region. Insome instances, the screen solutions are transferred from an SSP intothe well regions of a plurality of crystallization plates (CP).

The stations 12 also include a trial generation station configured togenerate crystallization trials in a crystallization plate. Suitabletrial generation stations are configured to generate crystallizationsamples and/or to position the samples in crystallization plates. Insome instances, the trial generation station is configured to generatethe samples in the crystallization plate. During successfulcrystallization trials, the molecules crystallize in the samples. Thesamples can be formed by mixing a portion of the mother liquor from theassociated well region with a molecule solution that contains themolecule to be crystallized. In some instances, the trial generationstation is also configured to add an additive solution to the wellregions of one or more of the trial zones before formation of thecrystallization samples. Accordingly, the mother liquor in one or moretrial zones can include an additive.

The stations 12 also include a sealing station where the crystallizationtrials are sealed from the atmosphere. In some instances, the sealingstation is configured to position a sealing medium over a CP. Thestations 12 can also include a mixing station where a CP or an SSP canbe agitated to mix the contents of the SSP wells or the contents of thetrial zones. The stations 12 can also optionally include an imagingstation where images of the crystallization trials in a CP can begenerated.

Although each of the stations 12 in FIG. 1A is illustrated as beinginterfaced with the controller 10, one or more of the stations 12 maynot require an interface with the controller 10. For instance, one ormore of the stations may perform one or more operations on a platewithout input from the controller 10. The operations can be triggered bythe placement of a CP or and SSP at a particular location on thestation.

Although FIG. 1A illustrates a transport mechanism 14 that includes arobotic arm, other transport mechanisms can be employed. For instance, aconveyor belt can be employed to transport a plate from one station toanother station. Further, the system can employ a plurality of transportmechanisms. As an example, the system can employ a second transportmechanism for transporting SSPs between the screen generation stationand the screen storage station and/or a third transport mechanism fortransporting SSPs between the screen storage station and the screenreplicator. Further, the second transport mechanism and the thirdtransport mechanism can be combined into a single transport mechanism.

The system manipulates a variety of resources during operation of thesystem. For instance, the system can manipulates a variety of differentplates and a variety of different solutions. FIG. 1B is a diagramillustrating resources employed by the system 22 and outputs provided bythe system 22. Empty crystallization plates (CPs) and empty screenstorage plates (SSPs) are provided to the system 22. Additionally,bottles and/or receptacles such as test tubes are employed by thesystem. Each of the bottle and/or receptacle contains a componentsolution to be used in generating the screen solutions in the SSP wellsof an SSP. Each of the component solutions can be prepared outside ofthe system and/or obtained from an external source.

The molecule to be crystallized is also provided to the system. Themolecule can be included in a molecule solution. The molecule solutioncan be prepared by an operator, by a mechanical device, by a machine orobtained from an outside source. The molecule solution can be providedto the system in a molecule plate. Additionally, the molecule plate canbe provided to the system manually, by a mechanical device or by amachine. In some instances, the system also employs an additive that isadded to the mother liquor before formation of the crystallizationtrials. The additive can be included in an additive solution. Theadditive solution can be prepared by an operator, by a mechanicaldevice, by a machine or obtained from an outside source. The additivesolution can be provided to the system in an additive plate.Additionally, the additive plate can be provided to the system manually,by a mechanical device or by a machine.

Data and other information can also be provided to the controllerthrough use of the one or more operator interfaces. For instance, theoperator can employ one or more operator interfaces to indicate to thecontroller which screen is to be used with a particular molecule and/orwhich additive(s) are to be used with a particular molecule. The systemoutputs CPs having trial zones with crystallization trials. In someinstances, the system also outputs images of the crystallization trials.

As is evident from the above discussion, a variety of plates andsolutions are employed during operations of the system. FIG. 1C is adiagram illustrating the relationships between the solutions and theplates. The dashed lines on the diagram define columns labeled A throughE. The arrows illustrate the transfer of a solution from one location toanother location. The text positioned at the bottom of each columnindicates where the solution is located after the transfer of thesolution. The system can include stations that are configured to performthe illustrated solution transfer operations.

The column labeled A shows a plurality of component solutions that areeach contained in a receptacle or bottle. The components solutions areemployed to prepare screen solutions. As illustrated by the columnlabeled B, the component solutions are transferred into the SSP wells ofan SSP. A single component solution can be delivered into an SSP well ora combination of component solutions can be delivered into one or moreSSP wells. The resulting solution in each SSP wells serves as a screensolution. The screen solutions can include other components such ascomponents that are added outside of the system or are added by thesystem. The screen solutions in two or more SSP wells of the SSP can bethe same. In some instances, the screen solution in each SSP well isdifferent.

The initial volume of the screen solutions in the SSP wells can begreater than 200 μL, more preferably volumes greater than 500 μL, morepreferably volumes greater than 1 ml, most preferably volumes greaterthan 3 ml, and/or volumes less than 30 mL, more preferably volumes lessthan 15 mL, more preferably volumes less than 5 ml and most preferablyvolumes less than 2.5 mL.

As noted above, the collection of screen solutions in an SSP serves as ascreen. The screens can be generated so as to determine the conditionsunder which a molecule crystallizes. For instance, a coarse screen canbe generated and used to generate crystallization trials with aparticular molecule. The coarse screen can be a screen that isfrequently employed as an initial screen when identifyingcrystallization conditions. The screen solutions that cause crystalformation can be identified. The identified screen solutions can beemployed to generate an optimization screen. The ability to combinecomponent solutions in the generation of a screen solution allows for awide range of screen solutions that can be employed in an optimizationscreen. The optimization screen is used to generate crystallizationtrials with the same molecule. The results of the optimization screenare reviewed to identify the screen solutions that cause crystalformation. Additional optimization screens can be generated until screensolutions providing the desired crystallization conditions areidentified. Further details regarding the selection and content ofscreens is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,673, filed on Jun. 18, 1999,entitled “Method and Apparatus for Performing ArrayMicrocrystallizations” and incorporated herein in its entirety.

The screen solutions are transferred from an SSP into the well regionsof a CP as illustrated in the column labeled C. The screen solutions canbe transferred such that each screen solution is transferred into asingle well region. Although larger volumes can be used, the volume ofscreen solution transferred into the well regions can be less than about500 μL, preferably less than about 400 μL, more preferably less thanabout 250 μL and optionally less than 125 μL. Ranges for the amount ofscreen solution transferred into the well regions include, but are notlimited to, 25 μL to 500 μL, and 25 μL to 300 μL.

The screen solutions can be transferred from an SSP into more than oneCP as illustrated by the arrows labeled F. Accordingly, a single SSP canbe employed to prepare a plurality of CPs. In some instances, the screensolutions in an SSP can be transferred to more than 5 CPs, more than 25CPs, more than 50 CPs, more than 100 CPs or more than 200 CPs. In oneexample, the screen solutions in an SSP are transferred to more than 5CPs. As a result, a ratio of the initial screen solution volume in theSSP wells to the volume of screen solution transferred into well regionsof the CPs can exceed: 200:1, 100:1, 50:1, 25:1 or 5:1.

The screen solution transferred into a well region of a CP can serve asthe mother liquor in that well region. Alternately, the screen solutionin a well region can combine with other components to form the motherliquor in the well region. An additive solution can be added to one ormore well regions of a CP as illustrated in the column labeled D. Theadditive solution combines with the screen solution to form the motherliquor in that well region.

A sample is prepared in the sample regions of a CP as illustrated in thecolumn labeled E. The sample can be prepared by transferring a portionof the mother liquor from the well regions of the CP to the associatedsample regions and by transferring a molecule solution that includes themolecule to be crystallized to the simple region. The molecule solutionand the mother liquor combine to form the sample.

Although larger volumes can be used, the volume of mother liquortransferred into the sample regions can be less than about 1 μL,preferably less than about 750 nL of mother liquor, more preferably lessthan about 500 nL of mother liquor and most preferably less than about250 nL of mother liquor. In one variation, the volume of the motherliquor transferred into the sample regions is between 1 nL and 1000 nL,preferably between 1 nL and 750 nL, more preferably between 1 nL and 500nL, more preferably between 1 nL and 250 nL and most preferably between10 nL and 250 nL.

Although larger volumes can be used, the volume of molecule solutiontransferred into the sample regions can be less than about 1 μL,preferably less than about 750 nL, more preferably less than about 500nL and most preferably less than about 250 nL. In one variation, thevolume of the molecule solution dispensed into the sample regions isbetween 1 nL and 1000 nL, preferably between 1 nL and 750 nL, morepreferably between 1 nL and 500 nL, more preferably between 1 nL and 250nL and most preferably between 10 nL and 250 nL.

In some instances, the solutions are transferred into the sample regionso as to form a sample having a volume less than about 1 μL, preferablyless than about 750 nL, more preferably less than about 500 nL and mostpreferably less than about 250 nL. In one variation, the sample volumeis between 1 nL and 1000 nL, preferably between 1 nL and 750 nL, morepreferably between 1 nL and 500 nL, more preferably between 1 nL and 250nL and most preferably between 10 nL and 250 nL. Further, the solutionscan be transferred into and from the well regions such that the volumeof mother liquor remaining in the wells after formation of the sample isless than 500 μL of screen solution, preferably less than about 400 μL,more preferably less than about 300 μL and optionally less than 250 μL.Ranges for the amount of screen solution transferred into the wellregions include, but are not limited to, 25 μL-500 μL, and 25 μL-300 μL.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a crystallization plate (CP) 24 that issuitable for use with the system. FIG. 2B is a side view of the CP 24shown in FIG. 2A taken looking in the direction of the arrow labeled 2B.FIG. 2C is a cross section of the CP 24 shown in FIG. 2A taken along theline labeled 2C and FIG. 2D is a cross section of the CP 24 shown inFIG. 2A taken along the line labeled 2D. The CP 24 includes a supportstructure 26 that defines a plurality of trial zones 27 arranged in 8rows and 12 columns. Although the CP 24 is illustrated with 96 trialzones 27, different numbers and arrangement of trial zones 27 aresuitable.

Each trial zone 27 includes a well region 28 associated with a sampleregion 30. The sample region 30 can include a recess where the samplecan be positioned. The support structure preferably has a geometry whichallows CPs 24 to be stacked on top of one another without one CP 24interfering with the contents in the trial zones 27 of an adjacentlystacked CP 24.

The CP 24 can include a bar code 32 formed on the support structure. TheCP 24 can also include a surface sized to receive a bar code sticker.When the CP 24 includes a surface for receiving a bar code sticker, thebar code sticker can be removable from the CP 24 so different bar codescan be fixed to a single CP 24. The bar code allows the controller toidentify a particular CP 24 from among a plurality of CPs 24 or toverify that a particular CP 24 is the CP 24 desired by the controller.The bar code reader can be positioned on the functional end of thetransport mechanism such that the bar code on the CP 24 can be read asthe arm approaches the CP 24 or while the arm grasps the CP 24.

FIG. 2E illustrates a trial zone 27 having a crystallization trial. Asealing medium 34 is positioned over the CP 24 such that the trial zones27 are sealed from the ambient atmosphere and from one another. Further,the sealing medium 34 over a particular trial zone 27 allows theatmosphere over the sample to contact the atmosphere over the motherliquor. An adhesive can be employed to bond the sealing medium 34 to thesupport structure. Suitable sealing media 34 include, but are notlimited to, transparent plastics and septa.

A mother liquor 36 is positioned in the well region 28 of the trial zone27 and a sample 38 is formed in the sample region 30 of the trial zone27. As is evident in FIG. 2E, the sample 38 can be a sitting drop.Although the sample is illustrated as a drop, the sample have otherforms. For instance, the sample can be a layer of material coated onto asurface.

In some instances, the sample 38 is formed from a solution that includesthe molecule to be crystallized, the mother liquor and optionally one ormore additive solutions. The sample 38 and mother liquor 36 each includea precipitating agent. The mother liquor 36 includes a higherconcentration of the precipitating agent than the sample. Over time, thesolution in the sample 38 equilibrates with the mother liquor 36 byvapor diffusing from the sample 38 into the mother liquor 36. As aresult, the concentration of the precipitating agent and the molecule inthe sample increases over time. The increased concentration causes themolecule to precipitate. Suitable volumes for the well regions include,but are not limited to, volumes less than 1000 μL, less than 500 μL,less than less than 400 μL or less than less than 300 μL.

A variety of CPs other than the CP illustrated in FIG. 2A through FIG.2E can be employed. For instance, the sample region can be centrallypositioned in the well region. Further, the sample region and the wellregion can be isolated from one another on the CP. The CP can include acover that isolates different trial zones but allows the sample regionand the well region of the same trial zone to contact the sameatmosphere.

Suitable CPs can also include trial zones suitable for use with hangingdrop trials. In a hanging drop trial, the sample is generally positionedon a well cover. The well cover is positioned over a well region suchthat the hanging drop is suspended over a mother liquor in the wellregion. Accordingly, the well cover serves as the sample region and thewell serves as the well region. A suitable CP for use with hanging droptrials includes a support structure that defines a plurality of wellregions and one or more well covers that are each configured to coverone or more of the well regions. Additional CPs suitable for use withthe crystallization system include, but are not limited to, the CPsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,673, filed on Jun. 18, 1999, entitled“Method and Apparatus for Performing Array Microcrystallizations” andincorporated herein in its entirety.

FIG. 2F is top view of a screen storage plate (SSP) 40 that is suitablefor use with the system. FIG. 2G is a side view of the SSP 40 shown inFIG. 2F taken looking in the direction of the arrow labeled 2G. FIG. 2His a cross section of the SSP 40 shown in FIG. 2F taken along the linelabeled 2H. The SSP 40 includes a support structure 42 that defines aplurality of SSP wells 44 arranged in 8 rows and 12 columns. Althoughthe SSP 40 is illustrated with 96 SSP wells 44, different numbers andarrangements of SSP wells 44 are possible. An example of a suitable SSP40 includes, but is not limited to, a deep well plate.

During the use of an SSP 40, different SSP wells 44 contain differentscreen solutions. Each of these screen solutions is transferred from anSSP well 44 to a trial zone. The number of the SSP wells 44 on an SSP 40can be the same as the number of trial zones on the CPs. As a result,when each SSP well 44 contains a screen solution, the screen solution ineach SSP well 44 can be transferred into a trial zone on the same CP.Further, the arrangement of the SSP wells 44 on the SSP 40 can be aboutthe same as the arrangement of the trial zones on the CP. Thisarrangement can simplify the process of transferring screen solutionsfrom the SSP wells 44 into the trial zones.

A suitable volume for the SSP wells 44 includes, but is not limited to,volumes greater than 0.5 mL, greater than 1 mL, greater than 2 mL and/orless than 20 mL, less than 5 mL or less than 3 mL. The depth of the SSPwells 44 can be greater than the depth of the well regions in a CP. Theincreased depth allows the SSP wells 44 to have a larger volume than thewell regions on a CP while the SSP wells 44 and well regions have aboutthe same arrangement on each of the plate. The increased depth of theSSP wells 44 may require the SSP 40 to be thicker than the CPs.

The portion of the SSP 40 that is handled by the transport mechanism canhave the same geometry as the portion of the CP that is handled by thetransport mechanism. In these instances, the transport mechanism cantransport both SSPs 40 and CPs. As an example, the width of a CP islabeled W in FIG. 2B and the width of an SSP 40 is labeled W in FIG. 2G.When the transport mechanism is a robotic arm, the robotic arm caninclude a functional end that grasps the SSPs 40 and the CPs across thewidth of the SSPs 40 and the CPs as illustrated below with respect toFIG. 3X. When the width of the CP has the same width as the SSP 40, thefunctional end of a robotic arm is able to grasp either a CP or an SSP40.

As illustrated in FIG. 2G, the SSP 40 can include a bar code 46 formedon the support structure 42. The SSP 40 can also include a surface sizedto receive a bar code sticker. When the SSP 40 includes a surface forreceiving a bar code sticker, the bar code sticker is preferablyremovable from the SSP 40 so that different bar codes can be fixed to asingle SSP 40. The bar code allows the controller to identify aparticular SSP 40 from among a plurality of SSPs 40 or to verify that aparticular SSP 40 is the SSP 40 desired by the controller. As notedabove, the bar code reader can be positioned on the functional end ofthe transport mechanism such that the bar code on the SSP 40 can be readas the arm approaches the SSP 40 or while the arm grasps the SSP 40.

FIG. 2I is a bottom view of a cover 48 configured to be used with theSSP 40 of FIG. 2F through FIG. 2H. FIG. 2J is a cross section of thecover 48 shown in FIG. 2I taken along the line labeled 2J. The cover 48includes a plurality of plugs 50. The plugs 50 are positioned such thatwhen the cover 48 is positioned on the SSP 40, each of the plugs 50seals an SSP well 44 as illustrated in FIG. 2K.

A sealing medium 52 can also serve as a cover. FIG. 2L is a crosssection of an SSP 40 having a sealing medium 52 serving as the cover.The sealing medium 52 can be constructed of one or more layers ofmaterial. In some instances, the sealing medium 52 is a septum. Althoughthe sealing medium 52 is shown as being positioned over each of the SSPwells 44, a sealing medium 52 can be applied to a portion of the SSPwells 44 or can be independently applied to one or more of the SSP wells44.

FIG. 2M is a top view of a plate 54 that is suitable for use as amolecule plate or as an additive plate. FIG. 2N is a cross section ofthe plate 54 shown in FIG. 2M taken along the line labeled 2N. The plate54 includes a support structure 56 that defines a plurality of wells 58arranged in 8 rows and 12 columns. Although the plate 54 is illustratedwith 96 wells 58, different numbers and arrangements of wells 58 arepossible.

During use of the plate 54 as a molecule plate, one or more of the wells58 can contain different molecule solutions or each well 58 can containthe same molecule solution. The molecule solutions are transferred fromthe wells of the plate into the sample regions of a CP. The moleculesolution from one well 58 can be transferred into one sample region, aplurality of sample regions or each of the sample regions. Alternately,the molecule solution from different wells 58 can each be transferredinto a sample region. In some instances, the molecule solutions fromdifferent wells are each transferred into a different sample region.

During the use of the plate 54 as an additive plate, one or more of thewells 58 can contain different additive solutions or each well 58 cancontain the same additive solution. The additive solutions aretransferred from the wells of the plate into the well regions of a CP.The additive solution from one well 58 can be transferred into one wellregion, a plurality of well regions or each of each region on a CP.Alternately, the additive solution from different wells 58 can each betransferred into a single well region. In some instances, the additivesolutions from different wells 58 are each transferred into a differentwell region on the CP.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a crystallizationsystem. A controller (not illustrated) controls a transport mechanism 14configured to access a plurality of stations. The crystallization systemincludes a plurality of CP storage stations 60, a screen generationstation 61, a screen storage station 62, a screen replicator 63 and atrial generation station 64. Additionally, the crystallization stationincludes a sealing station 65, a mixing station 66 and an imagingstation 67.

FIGS. 3B through FIG. 3AA illustrate each of the stations shown in FIG.3A. FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C illustrate a storage structure that is suitablefor use as a primary CP storage station and/or as a secondary CP storagestation. FIG. 3B is a side view of the storage structure. FIG. 3C is aside view of the storage structure shown in FIG. 3B taken looking in thedirection of the arrow labeled 3C. The storage structure includes atower 68 having one or more chutes 70 that are each sized to receive astack of plates arranged one on top of another. The tower 68 ispositioned on a base 72. The storage structure also includes a platform74 positioned under the tower 68. The platform 74 includes one or moreCP placeholders 76 where a CP 24 can be positioned.

The storage structure also includes a mechanism (not shown) for movingthe platform 74 relative to the base 72 as illustrated by the arrowlabeled A. The clearance between the tower 68 and the track is enough toallow a CP 24 positioned on the platform 74 to be moved from under thetower 68.

The storage structure also includes plate-loading mechanics (not shown)which can be engaged to raise a CP 24 from the platform 74 and add it tothe bottom of the stack and/or to lower a CP at the bottom of the stackonto the platform 74. When the plate loading mechanics are operated soas to lower a CP onto the platform 74, gravity moves a new CP intoposition at the bottom of the stack.

In some instances, a storage structure is operated so as to lower a CPfrom the chute 70 onto the platform 74. During operation of the storagestructure, the platform 74 is moved such that the placeholder 76 ispositioned under a chute 70. The plate loading mechanics are operated soas to lower a CP from the chute 70 onto the placeholder 76. The platform74 is moved such that the CP is moved from under the tower 68 where itcan be accessed by the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism canthen grasp the CP and remove it from the platform 74.

A storage structure can be operated so as to raise a CP from theplatform 74 into the chute 70. For instance, the platform 74 can bemoved such that the transport mechanism can access the placeholder 76.The transport mechanism can position a CP on the placeholder 76. Theplatform 74 can be moved such that the CP is positioned under a chute70. The plate loading mechanics are operated so as to raise the CP fromthe platform 74 into the chute 70. As a result, a plurality of CPs canbe stored in the storage structure after the CP has been processed bythe system. For instance, the system can form crystallization trials inthe CP and then store the CP in the storage structure.

In some instances, the tower 68 is configured to be detachable from thebase 72. The CPs present in the tower 68 before the tower 68 is detachedcan remain intact in the tower 68. As a result, the system can store acollection of CPs that have crystallization trials in one of the storagestructures. An operator can remove the collection from the system byremoving the tower 68 from the storage structure. Additionally, anoperator can provide a collection of CPs to the system by placing thecollection of CPs in a tower 68 and then placing the tower 68 on thebase 72 of a storage structure.

One or more of the storage structures can be located in a chamber. Forinstance, the CP storage structure labeled A in FIG. 3A is located in achamber 78. The chamber 78 can include an opening with a cover such as adoor (not shown). The cover can open to allow one or more CPs to passthrough the opening. After one or more CPs pass through the opening, thecover can be closed so as to increase the degree of isolation of theatmosphere in the chamber 78 from the atmosphere outside of the chamber78. The atmosphere in the chamber 78 can be controlled. For instance,the chamber 78 can be refrigerated and/or heated so as to control thetemperature of the CPs stored in the storage structure. As a result,when CPs with crystallization trials are stored in a chamber 78, thecrystallization trials can be stored under controlled conditions. Anexample of a CP storage station suitable for use with the system is aCCS Packard PlateStak instrument made by CCS Packard, Inc. located inTorrance, Calif.

FIGS. 3D through FIG. 3F illustrate a screen generation station that issuitable for use with the crystallization system. FIG. 3D is aperspective view of the screen generation station. FIG. 3E is a sideview of the screen generation station shown in FIG. 3D taken looking inthe direction of the arrow labeled 3E and FIG. 3F is a side view of thescreen generation station shown in FIG. 3D taken looking in thedirection of the arrow labeled 3F. The illustrated screen generationstation is configured to generate screen solutions and to position thesamples in an SSP. Further, the illustrated screen generation stationgenerates the screen solutions in the SSP.

The screen generation station includes a deck 80 with one or more SSPplaceholders 82 where the transport mechanism can place an SSP and/orfrom which the transport mechanism can remove an SSP. The deck 80 of thescreen generation station also includes bottle placeholders 84 forbottles 85 of stock solutions Suitable bottle placeholders 84 constrainmovement of the bottles 85 on the deck 80. Example bottle placeholders84 include ridges extending from the deck 80 and/or recesses in the deck80. The stock solutions can serve as the component solutions used ingenerating the screen solutions. Suitable bottles 85 include, but arenot limited to 500 mL bottles with a 2″ diameter. In some instances, thenumber of bottle placeholders 84 is equal to the number of SSP wells inan SSP. For instance, the SSPs can have 96 SSP wells and the screengeneration station can have 96 bottle placeholders 84.

The deck 80 of the screen generation station also includes receptacleplaceholders 86 for one or more sets of receptacles 87. Suitablereceptacle placeholders 86 can constrain movement of the receptacles 87on the deck 80. Example receptacle placeholders 86 include ridgesextending from the deck 80 and/or recesses in the deck 80. Suitablereceptacles 87 include, but are not limited to, test tubes. As willbecome evident below, the receptacles 87 can hold component solutionsthat are randomly accessed for the generation of screen solutions. As aresult, the number of receptacles 87 that can be held by the screengeneration station can be a matter of choice with respect to the numberof component solutions that are needed for efficient operation of thesystem. A set of receptacles 87 can be positioned in a structure 88 thatis removable from the screen generation station. For instance, thereceptacles 87 can be positioned in a rack such as a 15 mL falcon tuberack. A receptacle placeholder 86 can be configured to receive a rack onthe screen generation station. As a result, the component solutions inthe receptacles 87 can be concurrently changed or refreshed by replacingthe rack.

The screen generation station also includes a transfer mechanismconfigured to transfer the component solutions from the bottles 85and/or receptacles 87 to an SSP. For instance, the screen generationstation includes a head 89 configured to move in a horizontal plane. Thehead 89 includes a plurality of fluid dispensers 90. Each fluiddispenser 90 is in communication with conduits pumps and/or valves thatallow the fluid dispenser 90 to extract a component solution from abottle 85 or a receptacle 87 and to dispense the component solution intoan SSP well. Suitable fluid dispensers 90 include, but are not limitedto, dispensers 90 with a capacity of at least 10 μL and a CV of about 5%wherein CV is the coefficient of variance for the dispenser. CV iscalculated as CV %=standard deviation of the volumes dispensed×100/meanvolume dispensed at 10 μL.

In some instances, the number of fluid dispensers 90 on the head 89 isequal to the number of rows of SSP wells on the SSP and/or to the numberof columns of SSP wells on the SSP. As a result, each dispenser 90 canbe associated with a row of SSP wells on the SSP in that the dispenser90 dispenses component solutions into the SSP wells of the associatedrow. Alternately, each dispenser 90 can be associated with a column ofSSP wells on the SSP in that the dispenser 90 dispenses componentsolution into the SSP wells of the associated column. The illustratedhead 89 has 8 dispensers 90 which is equal to the number of rows of SSPwells in the SSP of FIG. 2F.

The dispensers 90 can be moved relative to one another. For instance,each of the dispensers 90 can be moved vertically as illustrated by thearrow labeled A in FIG. 3E. Additionally, the dispensers 90 can be movedlaterally relative to one another as shown by the arrow labeled L inFIG. 3E. As a result, the dispensers 90 can be moved further apart fromone another or can be moved together. In some instances, the dispensers90 can be moved such that the displacement between any one of thedispensers 90 and the adjacent dispenser 90(s) is greater than thedisplacement between any other pair of dispensers 90. The combinedmovement of the head 89 and the dispensers 90 allows any singledispenser 90 to access the component solution in any one of thereceptacles 87 while the other dispensers 90 are positioned outside ofthe other receptacles 87. In some instances, the combined movement ofthe head 89 and the dispensers 90 allows any single dispenser 90 toaccess the component solution in any one of the bottles 85 while theremaining dispensers 90 are outside of the other bottles 85.

The screen generation station also includes a wash station. A suitablewash station includes a vessel through which a wash fluid can becirculated. In some instance, the wash station includes one or morevacuum ports. The dispensers 90 can be positioned over or in the vacuumports. A vacuum can then be pulled so as to remove any liquid remainingon the tips of the dispensers 90 before the dispensers 90 are usedagain.

During operation of the screen generation station, a transport mechanismtransports an empty SSP to an SSP placeholder 82 on the deck 80. Thetransport mechanism can leave the SSP on the deck 80 while it performsother functions or can remain grasping the SSP during the generation ofthe screen.

In some instances, a screen is generated in the SSP by transferring thecomponent solution in each of the bottles 85 into a different SSP wellon the SSP. For instance, the head 89 can be moved such that thedispensers 90 are each positioned above a column of bottles 85 that hasnot previously been accessed during the generation of the screen. Thedispensers 90 are lowered into the component solution in the column ofbottles 85 and the desired amount of the component solution isextracted. The dispensers 90 are raised out of the bottles 85. The head89 and dispensers 90 are moved such that each dispenser 90 is positionedover an SSP well in a column of the SSP. The dispensers 90 are loweredinto their respective SSP wells and the component solutions aredispensed into the SSP wells. The head 89 and dispensers 90 are moved tothe wash station and the dispensers 90 washed. The washing can beperformed by repeatedly extracting and dispensing a wash solution from avessel in the wash station. When one or more vacuum ports are available,the dispensers 90 are moved into position over the one or more vacuumports and a vacuum is applied to remove any liquid remaining on the tipsof the dispensers 90. The above steps can be repeated until each columnof SSP wells on the SSP plate contains a screen solution. Once each ofthe columns has been selected, the transport mechanism can remove theSSP from the deck 80. When a screen is generated as described above, thecomponent solutions in the bottles 85 can be selected such that theresulting screen is a coarse screen. As a result, the above method canefficiently generate coarse screens.

In some instances, a screen is generated by combining componentsolutions from different receptacles and/or different bottles 85 in oneor more SSP wells. For the purposes of the following discussion, eachdispenser 90 is associated with a row of SSP wells in that eachdispenser 90 dispenses component solution into the SSP wells of theassociated row. As a result, the dispensers 90 can concurrently fill theSSP wells in a column of the SSP wells.

The controller accesses a screen generation database (discussed below)to determine the recipe for preparing the screen solution in each of theSSP wells. The controller selects an SSP well in a column of the SSP andaccesses a screen generation database to identify the componentsolutions that are to be transferred into the selected SSP well. Whenall of the required component solutions have been dispensed into theselected SSP well, the controller selects another SSP well in theselected column. When the database shows that all of the requiredcomponent solutions have not been transferred into the selected SSPwell, the controller identifies a component solution that has not beendispensed into the selected SSP well and identifies the quantity of thecomponent solution that needs to be dispensed into the selected SSPwell. The controller then identifies the bottle 85 or receptacle thatcontains the selected component solution. The controller causes the head89 and dispensers 90 to be moved such that the dispenser 90 associatedwith the row that includes the selected SSP well is located over theidentified receptacle or bottle 85. The selected dispenser 90 is loweredinto the component solution within the selected receptacle or bottle 85and the desired amount of the component solution is extracted. Theselected dispenser 90 is then raised out of the receptacle or the bottle85. This process is repeated until each SSP well in the selected columnof SSP wells is selected. After each SSP well in the selected column ofSSP wells has been selected, the head 89 and dispensers 90 are movedsuch that each dispenser 90 is positioned over an SSP well in theassociated row and in the selected column. The dispensers 90 are loweredinto their respective SSP wells and the component solutions aredispensed into the SSP wells. The head 89 and dispensers 90 are moved tothe wash station and the dispensers 90 washed. The washing can beperformed by repeatedly extracting and dispensing a wash solution from avessel in the wash station. When one or more vacuum ports are available,the dispensers 90 are moved into position over the one or more vacuumports and a vacuum is applied to remove any liquid remaining on the tipsof the dispensers 90. The above steps can be repeated for the samecolumn of SSP wells until each of the required component solutions havebeen dispensed into each of the SSP wells in the selected column. Oncethe required component solutions have been dispensed into each SSP wellin the selected column, another column of SSP wells is selected untileach of the columns has been selected. Once each of the columns has beenselected, the transport mechanism can remove the SSP from the deck 80.Because the above method allows for different combinations of componentsolutions to be transferred into the SSP wells, the screen generationstation can efficiently generate a wide range of optimization screens.

Although the above method of operating the screen generation station isdescribed in the context of each dispenser 90 being associated with arow of SSP wells, the above method can also be employed when eachdispenser 90 is associated with a column of SSP wells.

FIG. 3G through FIG. 3K illustrate a screen storage station that issuitable for storing screens and screen libraries. FIG. 3G is aperspective view of the outside of the screen storage station. Thescreen storage station includes a container 92 with a service opening 94through which SSPs can be passed. The screen storage station alsoincludes a holder 94 for holding an SSP. The holder 94 is configuredsuch that the transport mechanism can remove an SSP from the holder 94or position an SSP in the holder 94. Additionally, the holder 94 isconfigured such that the lift described below can be positioned betweenthe holder 94 and an SSP held by the holder 94.

The screen storage station also includes an opener 96. The opener 96includes a cover (not shown) and is configured to position the coverover the service opening 94 so as to increase the isolation of theatmosphere in the container 92 from the atmosphere outside of thecontainer 92. The opener 96 is also configured to withdraw the coverfrom the service opening 94 such that an SSP can pass through theopening.

The screen storage device can also include an operator access 97 thatallows an operator to access SSPs stored in the screen storage station.An example of a suitable operator access 97 is a door. The operator canuse the operator access 97 to remove SSPs from the screen storagestation or to add SSPs to the screen storage station. For instance, anoperator can position SSPs that are generated outside the system in thescreen storage station and/or to position empty SSPs in the screenstorage station. Further, an operator can remove and SSP from the screenstorage station, modify the removed SSP and/or the screen solutionscontained in the removed SSP and return the SSP to the screen storagestation.

The interior of the container 92 can be climate controlled to reducechanges in the composition of screen solutions stored in the interior ofthe container 92. In some instances, the screen storage station isrefrigerated.

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of a housing 98 configured to house SSPsin the interior of the container 92. The housing 98 includes a pluralityof supports 99 configured to support the SSPs in the housing 98.Accordingly, the supports 99 define ports 100 where the SSPs can bepositioned in the housing 98.

FIG. 3I illustrates the housing 98 in conjunction with mechanics locatedin the container 92. The housing 98 is positioned adjacent to a platetransporter 101. The plate transporter 101 includes a carriage 102configured to move vertically on a support 103 as illustrated by thearrow labeled A. Additionally, the carriage 102 is configured to rotaterelative to the support 103 as illustrated by the arrow labeled B. Thecarriage 102 also includes an SSP lift 104. The lift 104 is configuredto be extended and retracted relative to the carriage 102 as illustratedby the arrows labeled C. FIG. 3I illustrates the lift 104 in theretracted position. FIG. 3J illustrates the lift 104 in the extendedposition. An SSP can be positioned on the lift 104 as is alsoillustrated in FIG. 3J. The SSP remains stationary on the lift 104 asthe lift 104 is extended and retracted.

The housing 98 can optionally be positioned on a deck 105. Although asingle housing 98 is shown positioned on the deck 105, a plurality ofhousings 98 can be positioned on the deck 105. When a plurality ofhousings 98 are positioned on the deck 105, the deck 105 can be rotatedrelative to the plate transporter 101 as illustrated by the arrowlabeled D. As a result, a particular housing 98 can be moved into aparticular location relative to the plate transporter 101. The use ofmultiple housings 98 allows the capacity of the screen storage stationto be expanded.

The storage station can be operated so as to move a target SSP from aparticular port 100 in the container 92 onto the holder 94 outside ofthe container 92. When a plurality of housings 98 are positioned on adeck 105, the deck 105 is rotated such that the housing 98 having thetarget SSP is located at a transport position where the target SSP canbe accessed by the plate transporter 101. The carriage 102 is operatedwith the lift 104 in the retracted position. The carriage 102 is rotatedsuch that the operational end of the lift 104 is adjacent to the housing98. The carriage 102 is moved vertically so as to align the carriage 102with the target SSP. The lift 104 is extended such that the lift 104 islocated under the target SSP. The carriage 102 is elevated so as to liftthe target SSP from the supports 99. The lift 104 is retracted so as towithdraw the target SSP from the port 100. The carriage 102 is movedvertically so as to align the target SSP with the service opening 94.The carriage 102 is rotated such that the functional end of the carriage102 is adjacent to the service opening 94. The cover is removed from theservice opening 94. The lift 104 is extended so as to move the targetSSP through the service opening 94 as illustrated in FIG. 3J. Thecarriage 102 is lowered such that the target SSP rests on the holder 94.The lift 104 is retracted leaving the target SSP in place on the holder94. The cover is positioned over the service opening 94. One or more ofthe above actions may be optional. The above actions can be performed inan order different from the described order.

The storage station can be operated so as to move an SSP from the holder94 into a target port 100 in the container 92. The transport mechanismcan position an SSP on the holder 94. The carriage 102 is movedvertically so as to align the carriage 102 with the service opening 94.The carriage 102 is rotated such that the functional end of the carriage102 is adjacent to the service opening 94. The cover is removed from theservice opening 94. The lift 104 is extended such that the lift 104 ispositioned between the SSP and the holder 94. The carriage 102 is intothe container 92. The cover is positioned over the service opening 94.When a plurality of housings 98 are positioned on a deck 105, the deck105 is rotated such that the housing 98 having the target port 100 islocated at a transport position where the target SSP can be accessed bythe plate transporter 101. The carriage 102 is rotated such that theoperational end of the lift 104 is adjacent to the housing 98 in thetransport position. The carriage 102 is moved vertically so as to alignthe carriage 102 with the target port 100. The lift 104 is extended soas to move the SSP into the target port 100. The carriage 102 is loweredsuch that the SSP rests on the supports in the holder 94. The lift 104is retracted, leaving the SSP in place in the target port 100. One ormore of the above actions may be optional. The above actions can beperformed in an order different from the described order.

The controller includes logic for causing the above actions. Forinstance, the controller includes logic for causing the screen storagestation to retrieve a particular SSP from within the container 92 andmaking that SSP accessible to the transport mechanism and/or logic forcausing the screen storage station to move an SSP from the holder 94into the interior of the container 92.

In some instances, the screen storage station includes a covering device106 as illustrated in FIG. 3K. The covering device 106 can be configuredto place a cover on an SSP being moved from a holder 94 into the screenstorage station. Additionally, the covering device 106 can be configuredto remove the covers being moved from the screen storage station to theholder 94. Accordingly, each SSP placed in the screen storage stationcan include a cover that is removed before the SSP is accessed by thetransport mechanism. An example of a cover that can be employed with thecovering device 106 is illustrated in FIG. 2I through FIG. 2K.

As will become evident below, an SSP can be moved from the screenstorage station used and then placed back in the screen storage station.In these instances, the covering device 106 is preferably constructedsuch that the same cover removed from the SSP is placed back on the SSP.A suitable screen storage station for use with the covering device 106includes, but is not limited to, a HERAEUS CYTOMAT available from KendroLaboratory Products, Inc., Newtown, Conn.

An alternate covering device 106 can place a sealing medium on an SSP.The covering device 106 can place the sealing medium on an SSP as theSSP is being moved into the screen storage station and/or as the SSP isbeing taken from the screen storage station. The covering device 106 canemploy a detector to detect when a cover is not on place. The coveringdevice 106 can apply a cover when one is not detected. Alternately, thecontroller can include logic for causing the covering device 106 toplace the cover on the SSP. As noted above, a suitable sealing mediumincludes, but is not limited to, a septum.

A covering device 106 can employ a different plate transportingmechanism than the screen storage station. For instance, theplate-covering device 106 can include a transporting mechanism thatreceives an SSP from the screen storage station and then moves the plateto the holder 94. Further, the covering device 106 can be independentfrom the screen storage station. For instance, the covering device 106can be another station to and/or from which the transport mechanismtransports SSPs.

Although the container of the screen storage station is illustrated as abox, different embodiments of the container are envisioned. Forinstance, it may be desirable for the container to be a room where SSPsare stored.

FIGS. 3L through FIG. 3N illustrate an embodiment of a screen replicatorsuitable for use with the crystallization system. FIG. 3L is aperspective view of the screen replicator. FIG. 3M is a side view of thescreen replicator shown in FIG. 3L taken looking in the direction of thearrow labeled 3M and FIG. 3N is a top view of the screen replicatorshown in FIG. 3L. The screen replicator includes a deck 108 with aplurality of placeholders 110 that are each configured to hold a plate111 such as SSP and/or a CP. The transport mechanism can position aplate on one or more of the placeholders 110 and/or remove a plate fromone or more of the placeholders 110.

A wash station 112 can also be positioned on the deck 108. A suitablewash station 112 includes a vessel through which a wash fluid can becirculated. In some instance, the wash station 112 includes one or morevacuum ports.

The screen replicator also includes a transfer mechanism configured totransfer portions of different screen solutions from a screen storageplate to a crystallization plate. For instance, the illustrated screenreplicator includes a head 113 that serves as the transfer mechanism.The deck 108 can be rotated such that a plate on the deck 108 or thewash station 112 is positioned under the head 113.

The head 113 can be configured to move vertically relative to theplates. Additionally, the head 113 includes a plurality of fluiddispensers 114. In some instances, the number of fluid dispensers 114 onthe head 113 is equal to the number of SSP wells in an SSP or the numberof trial zones in a CP. Further, the fluid dispensers 114 can bepositioned on the head 113 in the same arrangement as the SSP wells arepositioned on the SSP or as the trial zones are positioned on the CP. Asa result, when a plate is positioned under the head 113, the head 113can be lowered such that each fluid dispenser 114 is positioned todispense fluid into each of the wells on the SSP and/or into each of thewell regions on a CP. Suitable dispensers 114 for use with the screenreplicator include, but are not limited to, dispensers 114 with a rangeof 50 μL to 100 μL and a CV below 10%.

During operation of the screen replicator, the transport mechanismpositions one or more full SSPs in a placeholders 110 and one or moreempty CPs in a placeholder 110. The deck 108 is rotated such that theSSP containing the desired screen is positioned under the head 113. Thehead 113 is lowered such that each fluid dispenser 114 is positioned inan SSP well. The fluid dispensers 114 extract the screen solutions fromthe SSP wells and the head 113 is raised. The deck 108 is rotated so thedesired empty CP is positioned under the head 113 and the head 113 islowered such that each fluid dispenser 114 is positioned over the wellregion of a trial zone. The screen solutions are then dispensed fromeach fluid dispenser 114 into the well regions of the trial zones. Thehead 113 is raised and the deck 108 rotated to allow the screenreplicator to perform additional operations. For instance, the deck 108can be rotated so as to extract additional screen solution from the SSPfor dispensing into another empty CP. Alternately, the deck 108 can berotated such that the wash station 112 is positioned under the head 113.Washing the dispensers 114 can include employing the dispensers 114 toextract the wash solution form the vessel and dispense the wash solutionback into the vessel. This can be repeated until the desired level ofwashing is achieved. In some instance, the wash station 112 includes oneor more vacuum ports. The deck 108 can be rotated and/or the head 113moved such that the dispensers 114 are positioned over or in the vacuumports. A vacuum can be pulled so as to remove any liquid remaining onthe tips of the dispensers 114. At some time the deck 108 is rotated toa position that allows the transport mechanism to grasp one or morefilled CPs and remove them from the screen replicator.

In some instances, the SSP will include a sealing medium positioned overone or more SSP as noted with respect to FIG. 2L. In these instances,the dispensers 114 pierce the sealing medium to access the screensolutions covered by the sealing medium. As noted above, the sealingmedium can be a septum. As a result, the sealing medium reseals afterthe screen solutions are accessed.

In some instances, a plurality of CPs are filled from a single SSP. TheCPs can be filled serially. For instance, each of the CPs can betransported to the screen replicator, filled and removed one afteranother. Alternately, a plurality of empty CPs can be transported todifferent placeholders 110 on the CP. The empty CPs can be filled oneafter another and then removed. Alternately, a combination of thesefilling techniques can be employed.

In some instances, a plurality of SSPs are positioned on the deck 108 ofthe screen replicator. The use of multiple SSPs can reduce the handlingof an SSP. For instance, an SSP can be used and left in place on thescreen replicator until a later time when the SSP is required again.

It may be desirable to wash the fluid dispensers 114 after filling a CPor after performing other operations. The washing can be performed byrepeatedly extracting and dispensing a wash solution from a vessel inthe wash station 112. When one or more vacuum ports are available, thedispensers 114 are moved into position over the one or more vacuum portsand a vacuum is applied to remove any liquid remaining on the tips ofthe dispensers 114.

The screen replicator illustrated above moves the plates relative to thehead 113. An example of a suitable screen replicator that moves theplates relative to a head 113 includes, but is not limited to, a TecanTeMo manufactured by Tecan, Inc. located in Maennedorf, Switzerland.Other types of screen replicators can be employed. For instance, anexample of a screen replicator that moves the head 113 relative toplates and can be employed with the system includes, but is not limitedto, a Zymark Rapid Plate made by Zymark, Inc. located in Hopkinton,Mass.

FIGS. 3O through FIG. 3S illustrate a trial generation station suitablefor use with the crystallization system. FIG. 3O is a perspective viewof the trial generation station. FIG. 3P is a side view of the trialgeneration station shown in FIG. 3O taken looking in the direction ofthe arrow labeled 3P. The illustrated trial generation station isconfigured to generate crystallization samples and position the samplesin a crystallization plate. Further, the illustrated trial generationstation generates the crystallization samples in the crystallizationplates.

The trial generation station includes a deck 115 with a plurality of CPplaceholders 116 that are each configured to hold a CP. The transportmechanism can position a CP on one or more of the CP placeholders 116and/or remove a CP from one or more of the CP placeholders 116. The deck115 also includes one or more molecule placeholders 118 that are eachconfigured to hold a molecule plate (not shown). The molecule plate canhave one or more wells for holding a molecule solution that includes themolecule to be crystallized by the system. In some instances, the numberof wells in a molecule plate is equal to the number trial zones on a CP.Further, the wells on the molecule plate can be positioned in the samearrangement as the well regions on the CP. In some instances, one ormore of the molecule placeholders 118 is refrigerated to preserve theintegrity of the molecule solution and/or to maintain the moleculesolution at a temperature suitable for a crystallization trial. Themolecule solution may be manually prepared and may be manually placed inthe placeholder. Alternately, the preparation and/or placement of themolecule solution can be automated.

In some instances, the trial generation station also optionally includesone or more additive placeholders 120 that are each configured to holdan additive plate (not shown). The additive plates can each include aplurality of wells. In some instances, the number of wells in anadditive plate is equal to the number of well regions on a CP. Further,the wells on the additive plate can be positioned in the samearrangement as the well regions on the CP. The wells on the additiveplate are each configured to hold an additive solution that includes anadditive. The additive solutions can be added to the mother liquorsbefore preparation of the crystallization trials. The additive solutionmay be manually prepared and a molecule plate(s) may be manually placedin the placeholder. Alternately, the preparation and/or placement of theadditive solution can be automated.

In some instances, the CPs, the additive plates and/or the moleculeplates employed in conjunction with the system have the about the samefootprint. In these instances, the CP placeholders 116, additiveplaceholder 120 and/or molecule placeholders 118 can be usedinterchangeably. For instance, if a molecule plate and an additive platehave about the same footprint, the same placeholder can be employed tohold either plate.

The trial generation station also includes a wash station 122. Asuitable wash station 122 includes a vessel through which a wash fluidcan be circulated. In some instance, the wash station 122 includes oneor more vacuum ports.

The trial generation station also includes transfer mechanism configuredto transfer mother liquor from the well regions of a CP to the sampleregions of the CP. For instance, the illustrated trial generationstation includes a head 123 that can be moved vertically as shown by thearrow labeled V in FIG. 3O and laterally as shown by the arrows labeledL in FIG. 3O. FIGS. 3Q through FIG. 3S illustrate a suitableconstruction of a head 123 for use with the trial generation station.FIG. 3Q is a perspective view of the head 123. FIG. 3R is a side view ofthe head 123 shown in FIG. 3Q taken in the direction of the arrowlabeled 3R and FIG. 3S is a side view of the head 123 shown in FIG. 3Qtaken in the direction of the arrow labeled 3S.

The head 123 includes a plurality of fluid dispensers 124. In someinstances, the number of fluid dispensers 124 on the head 123 is equalto the number of well regions in a CP. Further, the fluid dispensers 124can be positioned on the head 123 in the same arrangement as the wellregions are positioned on a CP. As a result, when a CP is positionedunder the head 123, the head 123 can be lowered such that each fluiddispenser 124 is positioned in a well region. Further, when the wells onthe molecule plate are in the same arrangement as the well regions onthe CP, the head 123 can be lowered such that each fluid dispenser 124is positioned in a well of the molecule plate. Additionally, when thewells on the molecule plate are in the same arrangement as the wellregions on the CP, the head 123 can be lowered such that each fluiddispenser 124 is positioned in a well of the additive plate. Suitablefluid dispensers 124 include, but are not limited to, fluid dispensers124 with a range of 50 nL to 200 nL and a CV below 10%.

The head 123 can include one or more secondary dispensers 126 inaddition to the fluid dispensers 124. In some instances, a secondarydispenser 126 is employed to extract molecule solution from the moleculeplate and to dispense the molecule solution into the sample region ofthe trial zones on the CP. In some instances, a secondary dispenser 126is employed to extract additive solution from an additive plate and todispense the additive solution into the well region of the trial zoneson the CP. Additionally, the head 123 can include a plurality ofsecondary dispensers 126. One secondary dispenser 126 can be employed todispense molecule solution and another secondary dispenser 126 can beemployed to dispense additive solution. A suitable secondary dispenser126 includes, but is not limited to, dispensers with a range of 50 nL to200 nL and a CV below 10%.

In some instances, the fluid dispensers 124 are vertically immobilizedrelative to the head 123 and one or more secondary dispensers 126 can bemoved vertically relative to the fluid dispensers 124 as illustrated bythe arrow labeled D in FIG. 3Q, FIG. 3R and FIG. 3S. The verticalmovement of a secondary dispenser 126 allows the secondary dispenser 126to access a solution in a well without interference from the fluiddispensers 124. As an alternate to the secondary dispenser 126 beingvertically movable relative to the fluid dispenser 124, the secondarydispenser 126 can be vertically immobilized relative to the head 123 andthe fluid dispensers 124 can be moved vertically relative to thesecondary dispenser 126. Further, the head 123 can be constructed suchthat the secondary dispenser 126 are vertically movable relative to thefluid dispenser 124 and the fluid dispensers 124 are vertically movablerelative to the secondary dispenser 126. One or more of the secondarydispensers 126 can be located outside the perimeter of a grouping offluid dispensers 124 as is evident in FIG. 3Q. This arrangement canreduce interference from the fluid dispensers 124 during operation of asecondary dispenser 126.

One or more secondary dispenser 126 can be laterally immobilizedrelative to the fluid dispensers 124. Lateral immobilization of asecondary dispenser 126 causes the lateral position of the secondarydispenser 126 to be constant relative to the lateral positions of thefluid dispensers 124. As a result, the lateral position of the secondarydispenser 126 is automatically calibrated upon calibrating the lateralpositions of one or more fluid dispensers 124. Alternately, the lateralpositions of the fluid dispensers 124 are automatically calibrated uponcalibrating the lateral position of the secondary dispenser 126.Accordingly, lateral immobilization of the secondary dispenser 126relative to one or more fluid dispensers 124 can reduce maintenancerequired for the trial generation station. In some instances, the fluiddispensers 124 are laterally immobilized relative to one another.

The head 123 can also include one or more piercers 128. An examplepiercer 128 includes, but is not limited to, a rod having a diameter upto 0.5 cm. The piercer 128 is configured to move vertically relative tothe head 123 as illustrated by the arrow labeled P. The movement of thepiercer 128 can be pneumatically or hydraulically generated. A moleculeplate and/or an additive plate is often positioned on the deck 115 witha material positioned over the wells on the plate. The head 123 can bemoved so as to position the piercer 128 over a well from which asolution is to be withdrawn. The piercer 128 can be lowered to piercethe material such that an opening is left in the material. A solution inthe well can be accessed through the opening in the material. Examplesof suitable materials for positioning on the plate to be pierced by thepiercer 128 include, but are not limited to, aluminum foil.

During operation of the trial generation station, a filled CP istransported to a CP placeholder 116. The filled CP has mother liquorpositioned in the well regions of the trial zones. The trial generationstation generates crystallization trials in the trial zones byperforming a plurality of liquid transfer operations. For instance, thetrial generation station can transfer mother liquor from the well regionof each CP that contains a mother liquor into the associated sampleregion. The trial generation station also transfers a molecule solutionfrom the molecule plate into the sample region of each trial zone. Themolecule solution and the mother liquor added into the sample region ofa trial zone combine to form the sample. The molecule solution can betransferred to the sample region of a trial zone before or after themother liquor is transferred to the sample region of the trial zone.

The trial generation station can be configured such that CP remainsstationary in the same location on the deck 115 during the generation ofthe sample. Allowing the CP to remain stationary in the same locationreduces problems associated with alignment between the head 123 and theCP during the sequential positioning of the head 123 relative to the CP.

In some instances, the trial generation station transfers additivesolution from one or more wells of one or more additive plates into thewell region of one or more trial zones. This transfer of additivesolution can be performed before the mother liquors are transferred fromthe well regions into the sample region of the trial zones. As a result,the additive solutions are added to the mother liquors before the sampleis formed.

When the mother liquor is transferred from the well region into thesample region of each trial zone, the head 123 is moved over the CP andlowered such that the tip of each fluid dispenser 124 is in the motherliquor positioned in the well region of each trial zone. The fluiddispensers 124 extract a portion of the mother liquor from each of thewell regions. The head 123 is raised such that each of the fluiddispensers 124 is withdrawn from the mother liquors. The head 123 ismoved so as to move the dispensers from over the well regions of thetrial zones to a position over the sample regions of the trial zones.The extracted mother liquor is dispensed from each dispenser into thesample region of the trial zones. In the movement of the head 123 beforedispensing the mother liquors, each dispenser is moved from over thewell region of a particular trial zone to a position over the sampleregion associated with the same trial zone. As a result, the motherliquor in the sample region and the mother liquor in the well region ofa trial zone is the same.

A parallel transfer of molecule solution can be employed to transfermolecule solution(s) from the molecule plate into the trial zones. Forinstance, the head 123 can be moved over the molecule plate and loweredsuch that the tip of each fluid dispenser 124 is in a well of a moleculeplate. The fluid dispensers 124 then extract a portion of the moleculesolution from the wells that actually contain molecule solution. In someinstances, the molecule solutions are extracted concurrently. The head123 is raised so as to withdraw the fluid dispensers 124 from themolecule solutions. The head 123 is moved such that each fluid dispenser124 is positioned over the sample regions of a trial zone. When themolecule plate wells have the same number and arrangement as the trialzones, the head 123 can move to this position without laterally movingthe fluid dispensers 124 relative to one another. The extracted moleculesolutions are dispensed from the fluid dispensers 124 into the sampleregion of the trial zones. In some instances, the molecule solutions aredispensed concurrently. This parallel molecule solution transfer reducesthe time required for formation of the crystallization trials and allowsa plurality of the samples to be formed concurrently. Further, one ormore wells in the molecule plate can include different moleculesolutions. As a result, different molecule solutions can be deliveredinto different trial zones.

As an alternate to parallel transfer of the molecule solutions, themolecule solutions can be transferred in series. For instance, the head123 can be moved such that the secondary dispenser 126 is located over awell in the molecule plate. The head 123 is lowered so as to place thetip of the secondary dispenser 126 in the molecule solution. The desiredamount of molecule solution is extracted from the well and the head 123is raised so as to remove the secondary dispenser 126 from the well ofthe molecule plate. The head 123 is then moved so as to position thesecondary dispenser 126 over a sample region of a trial zone and thedesired volume of molecule solution is dispensed into the trial zones.The head 123 can then be moved so as to dispense the molecule solutioninto another of the trial zones. In some instances, the moleculesolution is transferred from a single well on the molecule plate intoeach of the trial zones on a CP. As a result, the molecule solution canbe the same in each trial zone. Alternately, the secondary dispenser 126can transfer the molecule solution into a portion of the trial zones andthen return to a different well of the molecule plate and extract asecond molecule solution. The second molecule solution can be dispensedinto a different selection of trial zones than the first moleculesolution. As a result, the secondary dispenser 126 can dispensedifferent molecule solutions into different trial zones.

A parallel transfer of additive solution can be employed to transfersadditive solution from the molecule plate into the trial zones. Forinstance, the head 123 can be moved over the additive plate and loweredsuch that the tip of each fluid dispenser 124 is in a well of anadditive plate. The fluid dispensers 124 extract a portion of theadditive solution from the wells that actually contain additivesolution. In some instances, the additive solutions are dispensedconcurrently. The head 123 is raised so as to withdraw the fluiddispensers 124 from the additive solutions. The head 123 is moved suchthat each fluid dispenser 124 is positioned over the well region of atrial zone. When the additive plate wells have the same number andarrangement as the trial zones, the head 123 can move to this positionwithout laterally moving the fluid dispensers 124 relative to oneanother. The extracted additive solutions are dispensed from the fluiddispensers 124 into the sample region of the trial zones. In someinstances, the additive solutions are dispensed concurrently. Thisparallel additive solution allows different additive solutions to beefficiently delivered into different trial zones. For instance, one ormore wells in the additive plate can include different additivesolutions. As a result, the parallel transfer of the additive solutionsplaces different additive solutions in different trial zones.

As an alternate to parallel transfer of the additive solutions, theadditive solutions can be transferred in series. For instance, the head123 can be moved such that the secondary dispenser 126 is located over awell in the additive plate. The head 123 is lowered so as to place thetip of the secondary dispenser 126 in the additive solution. The desiredamount of additive solution is extracted from the well and the head 123is raised so as to withdraw the secondary dispenser 126 from the well ofthe additive plate. The head 123 is then moved so as to position thesecondary dispenser 126 over the well region of a trial zone and thedesired volume of additive solution is dispensed into the trial zones.The head 123 can then be moved so as to dispense the additive solutioninto another of the trial zones. In some instances, the additivesolution is transferred from a single well on the additive plate intoeach of the trial zones on a CP. As a result, the additive solution canbe the same in each trial zone. Alternately, the secondary dispenser 126can transfer the additive solution into a portion of the trial zones andthen return to a different well of the additive plate and extract asecond additive solution. The second additive solution can be dispensedinto a different selection of trial zones than the first additivesolution. As a result, the secondary dispenser 126 can dispensedifferent additive solutions into different trial zones.

In some instances, a material is positioned over one or more wells onthe molecule plate before molecule solution is extracted from thesewells. Additionally or alternately, a material can be positioned overone or more wells on the additive plate before additive solution isextracted from these wells. In these instances, the head 123 can bemoved so as to position the piercer 128 over a well from which a fluidis to be withdrawn. The piercer 128 can be lowered to pierce thematerial such that an opening is left in the material. This process canbe repeated so as to create an opening over each well from whichsolution is to be extracted. After piercing the material, the head 123can be moved so one or more dispensers are positioned over a well thathas been pierced. The one or more dispensers can be lowered into thewell(s) through the opening(s).

In some instances, it is desirable to mix the contents of the CP afteradditive solutions have been added to the mother liquors. As a result,after the trial generation station transfers additive solutions from anadditive plate to a CP, the transport mechanism may transport the CPfrom the trial generation station to the mixing station before the trialgeneration station performs additional liquid transfer operations.

It may be desirable to wash the fluid dispensers 124 and/or thesecondary dispenser 126 after performing any of the liquid transferoperations described above. When washing is desired, the head 123 can bemove such that the fluid dispensers 124 and/or the secondary dispenser126 is located over the wash station 122. The washing can be performedby repeatedly extracting and dispensing a wash solution from a vessel inthe wash station 122. When one or more vacuum ports are available, thedispensers are moved into position over the one or more vacuum ports anda vacuum is applied to remove any liquid remaining on the tips of thedispensers.

The trial generation station can be adapted for use with hanging droptrials. For instance, the head 123 can be configured to transfer motherliquor and the molecule solution onto one or more well covers. The trialgeneration station can also include a cover mechanism for placing theone or more well covers over the correct well regions.

FIG. 3T is a perspective view of a mixing station that is suitable foruse with the system. The mixing station includes a stage 130 with aplurality of plate placeholders 132 where CPs or SSPs can be positionedby the transport mechanism. Accordingly, one or more CPs and/or one ormore SSPs can be positioned on the stage. The stage is configured tovibrate or shake such that the contents of the trial zones and/or thetrial zones are agitated. A suitable mixing station includes, but is notlimited to, a rotary mixing station such as a DPC RS232 made byDiagnostic Products Corporation in Los Angeles, Calif.

FIG. 3U is a perspective view of a sealing station configured to sealthe crystallization trials on a crystallization plate form theatmosphere. The sealing station can apply a sealing medium to the CPs.The sealing station includes a stage 134 where a CP 24 can be positionedby the transport mechanism. The sealing station includes a source ofsealing medium and applies the sealing medium to the CP positioned onthe stage. The sealing medium is preferably applied with a low level ofheat transfer to the CP in order to reduce evaporation issues. Anexample of a suitable sealing station for use with the system includes,but is not limited to a Zymark PRESTO Microplate Sealing Workstationmade by Zymark, Inc. located in Hopkinton, Mass.

FIG. 3V is a perspective view of an imaging station. The imaging stationincludes a stage 136 having a plurality of placeholders 138 where thetransport mechanism can place a CP. The imaging station includes agantry mounted camera 140 that can be moved relative CPs. The camera 140can be controlled so as to generate an image of the sample region in aportion of the trial zones on a CP or in each of the trial zones on theCP. In some instances, the camera is controlled so as to generate animage that includes the sample region and areas outside of the sampleregion. In some instances, the camera is controlled so as to generate animage of the sample in the sample region. Accordingly, the image stationcan generate an image of the sample in each crystallization trial. Theimaging station can digitally store generated images internally and/ormake the image available to the controller. Accordingly, an operator canaccess the images through the imaging station or through the controller.Although the stage is shown with three placeholders, the stage can haveone or more placeholders. A suitable imaging station for use with thesystem includes, but is not limited to, a Bio-TOM Automated PictureSystem made by Bio-TOM located in Evry, France.

FIG. 3W is a perspective view of a transport mechanism that is suitablefor use with the system. The transport mechanism includes a plurality ofmembers 150 connected together to form a robotic arm. The membersconnect a base 152 to a functional end 154. The functional end isconfigured to grasp the plates that are transported by the transportmechanism. The members 150 are connected so as to allow the componentsto move relative to one another. The number of components and thestructure of the connections are selected to allow the controller tocontrol movement of the transport mechanism within a desired perimeterwhile the transport mechanism holds a plate in substantially horizontalposition.

FIG. 3X is a top view of a suitable functional end for use with thetransport mechanism. The functional end includes a plurality of arms156. The arms can be moved together and apart as illustrated by thearrow labeled A. The functional end grasps a plate 157 by positioningthe arms on opposing sides of a plate and then moving the arms together.The functional end releases a plate by moving the arms apart.

The functional end can include a bar code reader 158. The bar codereader 158 can be positioned so as to read a bar code positioned on aplate grasped by the functional end. Although the bar code reader isshown positioned above the arms, the bar code reader can be positionedbelow the arms or between the arms.

A portion of the above stations are described as including placeholdersfor a variety of structures such as SSPs, CPs, molecule plates, additiveplates, bottles and sets of receptacles. The placeholders are configuredto restrain movement of these structures on the stations. Suitableplaceholders can include one or more ridges that extend from a stage,platform or deck. Alternately, suitable placeholders can include arecess configured to receive these structures in a stage, platform ordeck. FIGS. 3Y through 3AA illustrate examples of suitable placeholdersfor use with the above stations. FIG. 3Y and FIG. 3Z are perspectiveviews of a placeholder including a plurality of ridges 160 extendingfrom a deck 162. The ridges 160 are arranged such that a plate 164positioned between the ridges are constrained to a position between theridges as shown in FIG. 3Z.

FIG. 3AA is a perspective view of another example of a suitableplaceholder. The placeholder includes a recess 166 extending into a deck170. The recess 166 can be shaped such that the position of a platepositioned in the recess 166 is constrained on the deck 170.

In each of the stations described above, the placeholders are optional.For instance, the plates can be positioned directly on a deck withoutany structure to preserve the plate position.

The controller can access and/or maintain a variety of databases duringthe operation of the system. FIG. 4A illustrates an example of an SSPtracking database that can be employed by the controller. The SSPtracking database stores data for a plurality of SSPs. For each SSP inthe database, the SSP tracking database associates an SSP identifierwith an SSP location identifier and a screen identifier. The controllercan employ the SSP identifier to identify a particular SSP duringoperation of the system. As an example, an SSP can include a bar code asdisclosed above. Each screen identifier can be associated with aparticular bar code. As a result, when the transport mechanismapproaches or grasps a targeted SSP, the controller can compare the barcode on the SSP with a screen identifier to determine whether the SSPbeing approached or grasped is the targeted SSP.

The SSP location identifier indicates the position of the associated SSPin the system. The SSP location identifier can indicate the stationwhere the associated SSP is positioned. In some instances, the SSPlocation identifier also indicates the location of the SSP at thatstation. For instance, the SSP location identifier can indicated thatthe SSP is located in a particular port in the screen storage station.The controller can update the SSP tracking database to reflect the newlocation of an SSP each time the SSP is moved. As a result, thecontroller can employ the SSP location identifier to identify thelocation of a particular SSP in the system.

The screen identifier is associated with a particular selection ofscreen solutions. For instance, the screen identifier can indicate thecontents of the SSP wells in an SSP associated with that screenidentifier. In some instances, the screen identifier indicates that theSSP wells are empty. The screen identifier can take a variety of forms.In some instances, the screen identifier is a name that is used toidentify a particular screen. Alternately, the screen identifier canlist the contents of each SSP well. Alternately, the screen identifiercan be a simpler identifier that can be associated with a separatelisting of the SSP well contents. As a result, the screen identifierallows the controller to identify the screen that is contained in aparticular SSP or allows the controller to identify an SSP that containsa particular screen.

Although the SSP identifier, the SSP location identifier and the screenidentifier are each shown as requiring a single column in the database,one or more of these identifiers may require more than one column of thedatabase.

The SSP tracking database can include a variety of additionalinformation that is not illustrated. For instance, the SSP trackingdatabase can include information about the volume of the screensolutions in the SSP wells, the number of times an SSP has beenaccessed, the dates when an SSP has been accessed and/or the molecule(s)with which the SSP was used and/or the CP(s) with which the SSP wasused. The SSP tracking database can also include a storage stationidentifier associated with one or more of the SSP identifiers. Thestorage station identifier can indicate where the SSP is or was storedin the screen storage station. The controller can use the storagestation identifier to return the SSP to the same location in the screenstorage station after using the SSP at another station.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a CP tracking database that can beemployed by the controller. The CP tracking database stores data for aplurality of CPs. For each CP in the database, the SSP tracking databaseassociates a CP identifier with a CP location identifier. The controllercan employ the CP identifier to identify a particular CP duringoperation of the system. As an example, the CP can include a bar code asdisclosed above. Each CP identifier can be associated with a particularbar code. As a result, when the transport mechanism approaches or graspsa targeted CP, the controller can compare the bar code on the CP withthe CP identifier to determine whether the transport mechanism isapproaching the targeted CP.

The CP location identifier indicates the position of the associated CPin the system. For instance, the CP location identifier can indicate thestation where the associated CP is positioned and the location of the CPat that station. For instance, the CP location identifier can indicatethat the CP is located at a particular placeholder on a particularstation. The controller can update the CP tracking database to reflectthe new location of a CP each time the CP is moved. As a result, thecontroller can employ the CP location identifier to identify thelocation of a particular CP in the system.

Although the CP identifier and the CP location identifier are each shownas requiring a single column in the database, one or more of theseidentifiers may require more than one column of the database.

The CP tracking database can include a variety of additional informationthat is not illustrated. For instance, the CP tracking database caninclude information about: the screen employed to generate thecrystallization trials in the CP; the molecule employed to generate thecrystallization trials in the CP and the additive employed to generatethe crystallization trials.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example of a screen generation database that canbe accessed by the controller. The screen generation database associatesscreen identifiers with a screen recipe. A screen recipe provides thedata needed for the controller to employ the screen generation stationto generate a screen in an SSP. An example recipe lists the volume ofeach component solution that is to be transferred into an SSP well foreach of the SSP wells in an SSP. A recipe can indicate that no componentsolution is to be delivered into one or more SSP wells. Additionally oralternately, a recipe can indicates that a single component solution isto be delivered into one or more SSP wells. When the recipe is for acoarse screen, the recipe can indicate that each SSP well is to receivea single component solution from a different bottles. When the recipe isfor a optimization screen, a recipe can indicate that one or more SSPwells are to receive component solutions from one or more of the bottlesand/or one or more receptacles. Accordingly, a recipe can indicate thatcomponent solutions are to be mixed in an SSP well.

Although the SSP tracking database, the CP tracking database and thescreen generation databases are disclosed as independent databases,these databases may be combined in a single database. Additionally,these databases may occur in a different format than the illustratedformat.

FIG. 5A illustrates a method of operating the system so as to generate ascreen library that is stored in the screen storage station. Each of thescreens in the screen library can be different. Alternately, a portionof the screens in the screen library can be the same. The screens in thescreen library can be used by the system at a later time. FIG. 5Aemploys a plurality of rectangular blocks and a plurality of roundblocks to illustrate the method. The controller can include logic forcausing the transport mechanism and/or the stations to execute theoperations related to the square blocks. The operations shown in theround blocks can be executed manually, mechanically or by an automatedmachine. Alternately, the controller can include logic for causing thetransport mechanism and/or the stations in the system to execute theoperations related to the round blocks or for causing additional stationto execute these operations.

Empty SSPs are provided to the system at block 200. Each empty SSP canbe loaded into a port of the screen storage station.

The component solutions that are required to generate the screen libraryare loaded into the screen generation station at block 202. Thecomponent solutions can be in receptacles and/or bottles. The bottlesand/or the receptacles can be placed in the placeholders on the screengeneration station.

Data is provided to the controller at block 204. An operator can employone or more of the user interfaces to enter the data. For instance, theoperator can input the location of each component solution in the screenstorage station. Further, the operator can modify the SSP trackingdatabase to reflect the addition of the empty SSPs to the screen storagestation. For instance, the operator can modify the SSP tracking databaseto include: the SSP identifiers for each of the empty SSPs; the SSPlocation identifier associated with the location of each of the emptySSPs; and the screen identifier indicating the empty nature of the emptySSPs.

The operator can input a task list to the system. An example task listlists the screens that are to be prepared in SSPs for storage in thescreen storage station. The task list can include a listing of screenidentifiers. For each of the listed screen identifiers, the controlleris to generate an SSP having the screen solutions associated with thatscreen identifier.

The controller processes the data input to the system at block 206. Forinstance, the controller can compare the screen identifiers in the tasklist with the screen generation database to identify the recipeassociated with each screen in the task list. The controller canidentify whether each of the component solutions called for in therecipes is present in the screen generation station. Further, thecontroller can review the screen identifiers in the SSP trackingdatabase to determine the number of empty SSPs available. This numbercan be compared against the number of entries in the task list todetermine whether there are enough empty SSPs available to complete thetask list. In the event that one or more conditions are not met, thecontroller can employ one or more user interfaces to notify the operatorof the condition. For instance, the controller can display a message ona monitor to indicate that additional empty SSPs are required tocomplete the task list.

At block 208, the controller identifies an empty SSP stored in thescreen storage station. For instance, the controller can access the SSPtracking database and review the screen identifiers to identify an emptySSP in the screen storage station. The identified SSP is retrieved fromwithin the screen storage station. The identified SSP is transportedfrom the screen storage station to the screen generation station. Atblock 210, the component solutions are transferred from the bottleand/or the receptacles into the SSP wells. The component solutions aretransferred in accordance with the recipes entered at block 204. The oneor more component solutions delivered into an SSP well serve as a screensolution in that SSP wells. The component solutions can be transferredsuch that each of the SSP wells on an SSP plate contains a screensolution. Alternately, the component solutions can be transferred suchthat a portion of the SSP wells in the SSP plate contain a screensolution.

At block 210, the SSP can be transported from the sealing station to themixing station at block 212. The screen solutions are mixed at block214. The SSP is transported to the screen storage station at block 216.The SSP is stored in the screen storage station at block 218. In someinstances, a covering device covers the identified SSP before the SSP isstored. Before or after the SSP is stored in the screen storage station,the controller can modify the SSP location identifier in the SSPtracking database to reflect the position of the SSP in the screenstorage station and/or modify the screen identifier in the SSP trackingdatabase to reflect the screen that has been generated in the SSP wellsof the SSP.

In some instances, one or more of the SSPs in the screen storage stationis periodically mixed. For instance, an SSP can be periodicallytransported from the screen storage station to the mixing station asillustrated by the arrow labeled 220. The SSP is then mixed and returnedto the screen storage station as indicated by block 214 and block 216.Periodic mixing of the stored screens can preserve the integrity of thescreen solutions and/or prevent settling, separation and/orprecipitation of screen components.

In some instances, the system may not include a mixing station or mixingmay not be desired. As a result, the SSP can be transported directlyfrom the screen generation station to the screen storage station asindicated by block 222.

The method disclosed with respect to block 200 through block 222 can berepeated such that a plurality of SSPs are added to the screen storagestation and are accordingly added to the screen library. In someinstances, SSPs prepared outside the system can be manually added to thescreen storage station and accordingly to the screen library as shown inblock 224. For instance, an operator can manually prepare an SSP. Themanually prepared SSP can be placed in a port on the screen storagestation. The operator can employ one or more of the user interfaces tomodify the SSP tracking database to reflect the manually added SSP. Forinstance, the operator can enter into the SSP tracking database the SSPidentifier and the position of the SSP in the screen storage station.

FIG. 5B illustrates a method of operating the system so as to prepare aCP having crystallization trials. FIG. 5B employs a plurality ofrectangular blocks, round blocks and diamond shaped blocks to illustratethe method. The controller can include logic for causing the transportmechanism and/or the stations to execute the operations related to thesquare blocks. The operations shown in the round blocks can be executedmanually, mechanically or by an automated machine. Alternately, thecontroller can include logic for causing the transport mechanism and/orthe stations in the system to execute the operations related to theround blocks or for causing additional station to execute theseoperations. The operations shown in the diamond shaped blocks cancompletely or partially performed as described in the method of FIG. 5A.

A screen library is prepared and stored in the screen storage station asshown at block 246 and block 248. The screens can be prepared and storedaccording to the method disclosed with respect to FIG. 5A. Empty CPs areprovided to the system at block 250. The empty CPs can be loaded intothe tower of a primary CP storage station one by one. Alternately, thetower can be removed from the primary CP storage station and replacedwith a tower having empty CPs.

When an additive will be used with one or more of the crystallizationtrials, one or more additive plates is provided to the system at block252. The additive plate can be loaded into a placeholder on the samplegeneration station and can include one or more wells that each containan additive solution. The additive solutions in different wells can bethe same or different.

One or more molecule plate is provided to the system at block 254. Themolecule plate can be loaded into a placeholder on the sample generationstation and can include one or more wells that each contain a moleculesolution. The molecule solutions in different wells can be the same ordifferent.

Data is provided to the controller at block 256. An operator can employone or more of the user interfaces to enter data into one or moredatabases to which the controller accesses and/or maintains. Theoperator can input the location of one or more additive plates in thesystem. For instance, the operator can input which placeholder on thesample generation station contains an additive plate. The operator caninput the location of the molecule plates in the system. For instance,the operator can input which placeholder on the sample generationstation contains a molecule plate.

When a screen is generated outside of the system and the SSP containingthe screen is placed into the screen storage station, an operator canemploy one or more of the operator interfaces to enter into the SSPtracking database the SSP identifier and SSP location identifier and, insome instances, the screen identifier associated with the SSP.Additionally, an operator can remove SSPs from the screen storage devicefor a variety of different purposes. For instance, an operator canremove a used SSP for cleaning. Alternately, an operator can remove afilled SSP in order to use the screen in another application. In theseinstances, an operator can employ one or more user interfaces to modifythe SSP tracking database to reflect the removal of the SSP from thescreen storage database.

An operator can also input a task list to be performed by the system.The task list can indicate one or more CPs is to be prepared. Anoperator can employ one or more of the user interfaces to input data forthe preparation of each CP. For each CP to be prepared, the operatorinputs data that allows the system to associate a screen identifier witha molecule location and additive location(s). When a CP is to beprepared with crystallization trials, the system prepares thecrystallization trials using an SSP that contains the screen associatedwith the screen identifier, the molecule at the identified location andthe additive(s) at the identified location. In some instances, the datais input such that an additive solution is not associated with a screenidentifier and/or a molecule solution is not associated with a screenidentifier. In these instances, the system can prepare the CP withoutthe molecule solution and/or without an additive.

The controller processes the data input to the system at block 258. Forinstance, the controller can compare each of the screen identifiers inthe task list with the screen identifiers listed in the SSP trackingdatabase. When the screen identifier in the task list matches a screenidentifier in the SSP tracking database, the controller accesses theassociated location identifier to determine the location of that SSP inthe system. The controller can use the SSP at the determined location togenerate the CP associated with that task. When the screen identifier inthe task list does not match a screen identifier in the SSP trackingdatabase, the screen is not yet available for use in generation of theCP. Accordingly, the controller compares the screen identifier with thescreen identifiers in the screen generation database. When the screenidentifier matches a screen identifier in the screen generationdatabase, the controller can employ the associated recipe to generate anSSP having the screen at the screen generation station. In the eventthat one or more conditions are not met, the controller can employ oneor more user interfaces to notify the operator of the condition. Forinstance, the controller can display a message on a monitor to indicatethat one or more of the screens on the task list is not available orthat there is no recipe available for generating one or more of thescreens on the task list.

The controller selects a task to be completed from the task list. In theevent that the SSP needed to complete that task is located in thesystem, the transport mechanism accesses the SSP at that location. Ininstances where the SSP is located in the screen storage station, thescreen storage station retrieves the identified SSP. The identified SSPis transported from the screen storage station as shown at block 260. Insome instances, a covering device uncovers the identified SSP before theidentified SSP is transported from the screen storage station.

As noted with respect to the discussion of block 258, the controller mayneed to generate a screen for use with a task in the task list asillustrated by block 264. In these instances, the controller canidentify the location of an empty SSP in the screen storage station asdisclosed with respect to the method of FIG. 5A. The screen storagestation retrieves the identified SSP from within the screen storagestation. The empty SSP is transported from the screen storage station tothe screen generation station. The component solutions are transferredfrom the bottle and/or the receptacles into the empty SSP wells inaccordance with the recipe identified at block 258. The one or morecomponent solutions delivered into an SSP well serve as a screensolution in that SSP wells.

SSPs generated at the screen generation station or retrieved from thescreen storage station are transported to the mixing station at block262 and mixed at block 263. The SSPs are transported from the mixingstation to the screen replicator at block 266. In some instances, an SSPcan be transported directly from the screen storage station to thescreen replicator as illustrated by the arrow labeled 268. Further, anSSP can be transported directly from the screen generation station tothe screen replicator as illustrated by the arrow labeled 270. In someinstances, the SSP is already located at the screen replicator and neednot be transported to the screen replicator. For instance, a desired SSPcan be used one or more times at the screen replicator and then left atthe screen replicator for additional use at a later time. In theseinstances, the controller will identify that the identified SSP islocated at the screen replicator when executing block 258. Thecontroller can leave the SSP in place at the screen replicator or cantransport the SSP to the mixing station and return the SSP to the screenreplicator.

The CP is transported from a primary CP storage station to the screenreplicator at block 273. At block 274, the screen replicator transfersthe screen solutions from the SSP wells of the SSP to the well regionsof the trial zones. The screen replicator can be operated such that eachscreen solution in the SSP is transferred to the CP. Alternately, thescreen replicator can be operated such that a portion of the screensolutions in the SSP are transferred to the CP. Further, the screenreplicator can be operated such that each trial zone that receives ascreen solution receives the screen solution from a single SSP well.

The screen solution transferred into a trial zone can serve as a motherliquor in that trial zone or can be combined with one or more othercomponents that act together as the mother liquor. The controllerupdates the CP tracking database to include the CP identifier associatedwith the CP, the CP location identifier showing the location of the CPat the screen replicator and the SSP identifier for the SSP from whichthe mother liquor was extracted to fill the SSP wells.

As noted above, the SSP wells can be configured to hold enough screensolution for multiple CPs. Accordingly, the SSP can remain at the screenreplicator while multiple empty CPs are transported to the screenreplicator. The screen solutions can be transferred into the trial zonesof more than one CP transported to the screen replicator. When the SSPis no longer required at the screen replicator, the SSP is transportedto the screen storage station at block 272 and stored in the screenstorage station at block 248. In some instances, the SSP is coveredbefore being stored in the screen storage station.

The CP may be transported from the screen replicator to a secondary CPstorage station before being transported to the sample generationstation. For instance, the CP can be transported from the screenreplicator to a secondary CP storage station as shown at block 276.Alternately, the CP can be transported from the screen replicator to themixing station and mixed at block 278. The CP can be then transportedfrom the mixing station to a secondary CP storage station as illustratedby the arrow labeled 300. Transporting the CP to a secondary CP storagestation before transporting the CP to the sample generation station maybe appropriate when the task list for a particular CP does not list thelocation of a molecule to be employed with the CP or when the CP is tobe removed from the system before generation of the crystallizationtrials as illustrated at block 302.

A CP can be transported from a secondary CP storage station to thesample generation station. For instance, a CP can be transported fromthe secondary CP storage station to the mixing station as illustrated bythe arrow labeled 304 and then to the sample generation station asillustrated by the arrow labeled 306. Alternately, the CP can betransported directly from the secondary CP storage station to the samplegeneration station as illustrated by the arrow labeled 308. An exampleof a suitable condition for transporting a CP from the secondary CPstorage station to the trial generating station includes, but is notlimited to, the condition that a task list is modified so as toassociate the location of a molecule solution on the sample generationstation with a CP stored in the secondary CP storage station.

A CP may be transported to the sample generation station without beingtransported to a secondary CP storage station. For instance, a CP can betransported from the screen replicator to the mixing station asillustrated by the arrow labeled 310 and then to the sample generationstation as illustrated by the arrow labeled 306. Alternately, the CP canbe transported directly from the screen replicator directly to thesample generation station as illustrated by the arrow labeled 312. Anexample of a suitable condition for transporting a CP from the screenreplicator to the sample generation station includes, but is not limitedto, when the task list associates the location of a molecule solution onthe sample generation station with the CP.

As disclosed above, the CP can be transported to the trial preparationstation from the screen replicator, from the mixing station or from thesecondary CP storage station as shown by the arrows leading to block316.

In the event that an additive solution is to be used with the CP, theadditive solution can be dispensed into the well region of one or moretrial zones as illustrated at block 318. The additive solution isextracted from one or more wells in an additive plate. The location ofthe one or more additive plate wells can be indicated in the task list.Further, the task list can associate particular trial zones withparticular wells on the additive plate. As a result, the additivesolution from a particular well can be dispensed into particular trialzones. The additive solution can be sequentially dispensed into thetrial zones sequentially from the secondary dispenser on the head of thesample generation station. Alternately, the fluid dispensers on the headof the sample generation station can be employed to perform a paralleltransfer of additive solutions from a plurality of the additive platewells into a plurality of the trial zones.

In some instances, a material may be in place over the additive platewells where the desired additive solution(s) are located. In theseinstances, the piercer is employed to pierce the material over each ofthe additive plate wells where a desired additive solution is contained.These additive solutions can be accessed through the openings in thematerial left by the piercer.

When an additive solution is dispensed into one or more of the trialzones, the CP can be transported from the sample generation station tothe mixing station and mixed as shown at block 320. The CP istransported from the mixing station back to the sample generationstation at block 322.

At block 324, the sample generation station generates crystallizationtrials in the CP. The mother liquor from the well regions of one or moretrial zones is transferred into the sample region of one or more trialzones. For instance, the fluid dispensers on the head of the samplegeneration station can be employed to extract the mother liquor from thewell region of one or more trial zones and to dispense the mother liquorinto the sample region of the one or more trial zones. The samplegeneration station can be operated such that mother liquor from eachtrial zone that contains a mother liquor is transferred to a sampleregion. Alternately, the sample generation station can be operated suchthat mother liquor from a portion of the trial zones that contains amother liquor is transferred to a sample region.

When the system is employing hanging drop trials, the sample regions areincluded on one or more well covers. Accordingly, the sample generationstation can transfer mother liquors from one or more well regions to theone or more well covers. The sample generation station can then positionthe well covers over one or more well regions in the CP. Alternately,the system can include an additional station that positions the wellcovers over one or more well regions in the CP.

In some instances, the mother liquor is concurrently extracted from thewell regions of the trial zones and then concurrently transferred intothe sample regions of the trial zones.

Additionally, molecule solution is dispensed into the sample region ofone or more trial zones from one or more wells of a molecule platelocated on the sample generation station. The location of the one ormore molecule plate wells is indicated in the task list. Further, thetask list can associate particular trial zones with particular moleculeplate wells. As a result, the molecule solution from different moleculeplate wells can be dispensed into the sample region of different trialzones. The molecule solution(s) can be sequentially dispensed into thetrial zones. Alternately, molecule solution(s) can be concurrentlydispensed into a plurality of the trial zones.

In some instances, a material may be in place over the molecule platewells where the desired molecule solution(s) are located. In theseinstances, a piercer can be employed to pierce the material over each ofthe molecule plate wells where a desired molecule solution is contained.These molecule solutions can be accessed through the openings thepiercer leaves in the material.

At block 326, the CP can be transported from the sample generationstation to the sealing station where the trial zones are sealed. Atblock 328, the CP can be transported from the sealing station to theimaging station where the contents of the trial zones can be imaged. Theimages of the crystallization trials can be taken within 30 minutes ofgenerating the last crystallization trial at the sample generationstation. In some instances, the images are taken 15 minutes of formingthe last crystallization trial, within 5 minutes of forming the lastcrystallization trials or within 2 minutes of forming the lastcrystallization trial. In one example, images of the crystallizationtrials are taken within 1 minute of forming the last crystallizationtrial, within 30 seconds of forming the last crystallization trial orwithin 15 seconds of forming the last crystallization trial. At block330, the CP can be transported to the secondary CP storage station fromthe imaging station or from the sealing station.

In some instances, one or more of the CPs in the secondary CP storagestation is periodically imaged. For instance, a CP can be periodicallytransported from the secondary CP storage station to the imagingstation. The CP contents are imaged at the imaging station and returnedto the secondary CP storage station. Periodic imaging of the CPs allowsthe trial zone contents to be tracked over time. In some instances, theperiodic imaging is performed so as to track the sample over time.

An operator can remove a CP from the secondary CP storage station atblock 332.

One or more of the stations disclosed with respect to the above systemis optional. Additionally, one or more operations in the methods of FIG.5A and FIG. 5B are optional. For instance, as evident from the abovediscussion, screens can be prepared outside of the system and placedinto the screen storage station for use by the system. Because thescreens stored in the screen storage station can be generated outside ofthe system, the screen generation station is an optional station.

Although the system is disclosed as having a single controller, thesystem can include a plurality of controller. The controllers canoperate the system in conjunction with one another or can performvarious operations independent from one another. Further, portions ofthe controller can be localized to one or more of the stations.

Although each of the stations above are disclosed as being independent,two or more of the stations can be integrated into a single station. Forinstance, the screen generation station and the screen storage stationcan be integrated into a single station. Additionally, some of thestations perform more than one operation on a plate. These stations canbe separated into multiple stations. As an example, the system caninclude an additional station for transferring additive solution(s) tothe crystal plates. Further, the covering device disclosed in thecontext of the screen storage station can be a separate station. Forinstance, when a sealing medium is employed as a cover on the SSPs, thesystem can include an additional sealing station that serves as thecovering device. Alternately, the disclosed sealing station can beemployed as a covering device for covering the SSPs.

Although operation of the system is described as being performed by asingle operator, the system may require more than one operator. Forinstance, different operators can provide different inputs to thecontroller. Further, one or more operators may prepare solutions for usein the system and one or more operators can provide inputs to thecontroller.

Other embodiments, combinations and modifications of this invention willoccur readily to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theseteachings. Therefore, this invention is to be limited only by thefollowing claims, which include all such embodiments and modificationswhen viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanyingdrawings.

1. A crystallization system, comprising: a trial generation stationconfigured to generate crystallization trials in trial zones of acrystallization plate; an imaging station configured to take images ofthe crystallization trials in the crystallization plate; a transportmechanism configured to transport the crystallization plate to theimaging station after generation of the crystallization trials; and acontroller including logic for causing the trial generation station togenerate the crystallization trials in the crystallization plate, logicfor causing the transport mechanism to transport the crystallizationplate to the imaging station and logic for causing the imaging stationto take images of the crystallization trials.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the logic is configured to cause the imaging station to takeimages of the crystallization trials within 30 minutes of the formationof the crystallization trials.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thelogic is configured to cause the imaging station to take images of thecrystallization trials within 15 minutes of the formation of thecrystallization trials.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic isconfigured to cause the imaging station to take images of thecrystallization trials within 5 minutes of the formation of thecrystallization trials.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic isconfigured to cause the imaging station to take images of thecrystallization trials within 1 minute of the formation of thecrystallization trials.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controllerincludes logic for causing the transport mechanism to transport thecrystallization plate from the trial generation station to a sealingstation configured to seal the crystallization trials from theatmosphere and logic for causing the transport mechanism to transportthe crystallization plate from the sealing station to the imagingstation.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a crystallizationplate storage station for storing a plurality of crystallization plates,the transport mechanism also being configured to transportcrystallization plates from the imaging station to the crystallizationplate storage station.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the controllerincludes logic for causing the transport mechanism to transport thecrystallization plate from the imaging station to the crystallizationplate storage station.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the transportmechanism includes a robotic arm.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thecrystallization trials include a mother liquor and a sample, the samplehaving a volume less than 1 μL.